Indonesia, U.S., and Vietnam Conduct Joint Maritime Security Training in Batam
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) has launched a joint Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training program in cooperation with several international partners, including the United States and Vietnam. The training, held at the Bakamla Maritime Training Center in Batam, Riau Islands, began on Tuesday and will continue until November 14, 2025.
According to an official press release received in Jakarta on Wednesday, the program aims to enhance the operational capabilities of coast guard personnel while reinforcing bilateral and multilateral relations between the participating nations.
Colonel Agus Sriyanto, Head of Bakamla’s Batam Base, noted that the exercise is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL). He emphasized that the initiative not only improves individual and team skills but also fosters stronger cooperation among regional maritime security agencies.
“Through this training, we are building closer cooperation with our international partners while strengthening professionalism in safeguarding Indonesia’s seas,” Colonel Sriyanto said.
Participants in the program include personnel from Bakamla, the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), the U.S. Coast Guard, and representatives from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The comprehensive training schedule covers a wide range of modules, including ship boarding theory and simulation, maritime crime handling, work safety procedures, evidence management, and radiation and nuclear material detection.
Additionally, participants will engage in underway boarding exercises—inspections of moving vessels conducted during both day and night operations—and a final integrated exercise designed to assess the joint team’s operational readiness.
The VBSS training reflects Indonesia’s continued commitment to promoting regional maritime security and cooperation through capacity-building initiatives and international collaboration.
