JAKARTADAILY.ID – Indonesia has taken a significant stride in the battle against maritime crime, positioning itself as a center of excellence in this endeavor.
A training facility established in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Indonesia's Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) is equipping maritime law enforcement agencies with the skills needed to combat issues like human trafficking, illegal fishing, drug smuggling, and more.
Located in the coastal city of Batam, this Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure training center has provided training for over 100 BAKAMLA officers, alongside agents from Malaysia's Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Vietnam's Customs Office.
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Conducting live at-sea drills, this facility prepares officers to handle practical challenges they may encounter in the line of duty.
Experts like Tony Wheatley, engaged by UNODC, emphasize the training's real-world impact. Officers' capabilities have significantly improved, enabling them to effectively board vessels, communicate, secure, search, and collect evidence.
The facility's importance is highlighted by the demands of the Strait of Malacca, a bustling shipping route connecting Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Criminals increasingly exploit the sea for smuggling, necessitating collaborative efforts among coastal states.
The training extends beyond theoretical knowledge. Practical aspects, like simulating body searches, securing evidence, and ensuring vessel seaworthiness, equip officers for their challenging roles.
As Southeast Asia battles maritime crime's growing complexity, cooperation among coastguard agencies has become imperative. UNODC's efforts in knowledge sharing and capacity building strengthen these bonds and enhance operational efficiency.
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The maritime training center's success led to the acquisition of an underwater remotely operated vehicle. Specialized training encompasses night boarding, detecting illicit materials, and safeguarding migrants and vulnerable groups on non-compliant vessels.
The center's impact is exemplified by BAKAMLA officers, who view their training as pivotal in safeguarding their nation's seas and environment.
