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Bakamla prepared to take on greater role under new regulation, chief says
The statement came as the agency was handed a new role as stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 13/2022 that is aimed at improving inter-institutional coordination among various government stakeholders on maritime security and safety.
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Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia speaks in a press conference in Jakarta on April 1, 2022. (Courtesy of Martime Security Agency (Bakamla)/-)
T
he Maritime and Security Agency (Bakamla) is prepared to play a greater role as coordinating agency in maritime security as mandated in a recently released regulation, Bakamla chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia said.
The statement came as the agency was handed a new role as stipulated in Government Regulation (PP) No. 13/2022 that is aimed at improving inter-institutional coordination among various government stakeholders on maritime security and safety.
It mandates Bakamla to lead maritime law enforcement operations and to act as official government representative in international forums on maritime security. The regulation, signed by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on March 11, also empowers Bakamla to coordinate with other stakeholders in investigating law violations at sea.
“Bakamla stands ready to carry out the government’s policy [as outlined in the recently released regulation],” said Aan in a press conference on Friday.
Aan also said that the agency was prepared to take a coordinating role in the maritime security sector in the country, while also expressing the hope that Bakamla would have integrated functions similar to the coast guards of developed nations.
Read also: Jokowi wants Bakamla upgraded to Indonesian coast guard as new chief sworn in
Bakamla was established in 2014 to boost the effectiveness of law enforcement at sea and was designed to become the country’s coast guard with its own armed vessels. The agency, however, has yet to fulfil the role as other institutions, including the Navy, already have authority over national waters and the vessels to enforce it.
