Sultan HB X Approves Plan for Maritime Monitoring Station in Yogyakarta

The head of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), Vice Admiral Dr. Irvansyah, met with the Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, today. The meeting discussed plans to construct a maritime monitoring station in DIY. Irvansyah explained that the development is part of the National Maritime Security System programme currently being rolled out by Bakamla across various regions of Indonesia. “We will build 35 stations throughout Indonesia. The majority will be located on the outermost islands and along the Indonesian Archipelagic Sea Lanes I, II, and III,” Irvansyah stated when met at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta on Thursday (18/6/2026). According to him, DIY’s position is considered highly strategic for supporting maritime surveillance in the Southern Sea of Java. Consequently, Bakamla has begun laying the foundations for long-term development in the area. “We feel this position is very important and strategic for monitoring the maritime waters in the Southern Sea. We cannot rule out what might happen or develop in the Southern Sea in the future,” he revealed. “That is why we are starting to lay the foundational groundwork for future development, and later we will cooperate with the local government, while also developing the surrounding communities. We may also collaborate with existing apparatus, such as the Navy, the water police, and in building coastal communities. Hopefully, this can be realised,” he continued. Irvansyah explained that the station will be equipped with various sensing devices, such as Over-the-Horizon Radar, surveillance cameras, and a system integrated with Bakamla’s Command and Control Centres (Puskodal). “By the end of this year, four Puskodal will be completed. The headquarters in Jakarta, then the western regional centre in Batam, the central in Manado, and the eastern in Ambon. All will be integrated so that information can be shared quickly and in real time,” he clarified. However, Irvansyah noted that the specific location for the station in DIY has yet to be determined. Discussions are currently at an early stage and will be continued by technical teams from both parties. Regarding potential threats in the southern sea region, he stressed that his agency focuses on maritime security and safety aspects, including law enforcement. “Military threats are the domain of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), particularly the Navy. We focus more on security threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, narcotics, and violations in the fisheries sector,” he said. Meanwhile, Sultan HB X welcomed the plan positively. According to the Sultan, the presence of a Bakamla facility in the southern region of DIY is important to support the state’s defence and security system. “I have no objection. For me, it is also important to have this in the south for state security and defence,” said the Sultan. The Sultan stated that the form of the DIY regional government’s support will be discussed further according to the needs conveyed by Bakamla, including possible matters related to location and other aspects. “We will see what the Navy’s needs are later. We haven’t discussed that far yet. Perhaps the location, land issues, or other related matters,” he concluded.