RI, Thailand to secure Strait of Malacca

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok

The Indonesian and Thai Navies have agreed to enhance cooperation so as to increase security in the busy Strait of Malacca, where piracy and arms smuggling are rampant.

The cooperation, however, will not allow the two navies to cross into each other's territories, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Soebiyanto told The Jakarta Post in Bangkok.

"Although Thailand is not a littoral state, it has offered help to provide security in the Strait of Malacca," he said after paying a courtesy call to Royal Thai Navy Commander Adm. Sampop Ampapala and Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Chaisit Shinawatra on Tuesday evening.

Thailand controls the northern part of the busy international shipping route, where Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore conduct routine patrols to fight piracy.

During the meeting, both navies agreed to increase information exchanges to improve security in the strait.

"Thailand's help is very important, especially as regards the issue of Aceh province," said Slamet. "Stronger security cooperation could reduce the smuggling of weapons into Aceh."

The separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which has been fighting for independence since 1976, has been accused of obtaining smuggled weapons from Thailand.

The Strait of Malacca is vital to the world's trade as a half of its oil and one-third of its trade are transported on board the 50,000 cargo vessels that annually pass through the 900- kilometer waterway.

While most sides have called for improved security in the strait, Slamet reiterated once again that the responsibility rested in the hands of the littoral states -- Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

"We welcome all contributions and help from other countries using the strait as long as the littoral states are in charge.

"It is important to note that the Strait of Malacca is not an international strait although it can be used for international sea traffic," he said.

Slamet said the participation of user states in providing security in the strait was guaranteed by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The U.S. has called for multilateral efforts, saying that it wanted to send patrol ships -- something that was strongly opposed by Indonesia and Malaysia.

Japan is reportedly planning to donate several patrol boats, although there were no details available as to how it will get around the provision of its constitution that bans the supply of weapons to third countries.

"But I think Japan will be able to sort this thing out as it is related to its national interest," said Slamet.

As for widespread reports of rampant piracy in the waterway, Slamet played the issue down, claiming it was an attempt to internationalize the strait.

"The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) always uses the term sea piracy, which is incorrect. Sea piracy can only happen on the open sea and the Strait of Malacca is not the open sea. "What happens there is more in the nature of sea robbery," he said.

Slamet also said it was not necessary to set up a coast guard in Indonesia, despite the fact that Malaysia recently announced the establishment of such a body, which will start operating by the end of this year.

"It would be better to improve the existing institutions dealing with safety and security at sea instead of creating new ones.

"We can redefine each institution's tasks and powers, and enhance their fleets," he said.

Currently, the navy, police, customs service and the Ministry of Transportation's Sea and Coastal Security Unit (KPLP) share the responsibility for ensuring safety and security in Indonesian waters.

On Wednesday, Slamet left Thailand for South Korea for a similar courtesy call and to inspect an Indonesian Navy submarine, the KRI Nenggala, which is being upgraded there.