Indonesia, Australia strengthen maritime border security cooperation

Jakarta, InfoPublik – The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and Australian Border Force (ABF) had officially signed a Bakamla RI-ABF Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation.

Bakamla chief Vice Admiral  Ari Soedewo and Australia’s charge d'affaires Allaster Cox signed the agreement at Bakamla headquarters in Jakarta, Monday (1/8). "The signing of this agreement shows Indonesia and Australia’s firm action in maritime border security," Ari said.

Both countries expected that joint activities could be implemented immediately in order to show the two governments’ commitment in fighting threats occurred in Indonesia-Australia maritime borders.

He explained that the activities, among others, were the annual Maritime Security Desktop Exercise (MSDE) which is expected to be held in May 2018; a coordinated patrol involving Bakamla’s stakeholders; and various trainings such as English and technical operation on ship trainings.

On the occasion, the Bakamla chief also proposed a discussion forum involving several ASEAN countries.

With the signing of the cooperation document, the English language training had begun immediately to prepare personnel for International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Business English certifications. This training is intended to enhance Bakamla personnel’s language skill for studying abroad.

The ABF was represented by ABF Southeast Asia regional director Commander Chris Waters, ABF first secretary Ben Honey, Superintendent Pam Radin, and Australian Embassy official Karl Brandt.

Meanwhile, the Bakamla delegation consisted of chief secretary Air Commodore D. Widiantoro; operation and training deputy Commodore Semi Djoni Putra; policy and strategy deputy Police Inspector General Arifin; information, legal, and cooperation deputy Police Inspector General Abdul Gofur; sea operation director Commodore Rahmat Eko Raharjo; and overseas cooperation head Satya Pratama. (Translator: Rina Alexandra)