Japan and Indonesia Conduct Joint Maritime Crime Exercise off Jakarta Coast

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) conducted joint maritime exercises off the coast of Jakarta on Friday to enhance cooperation in combating maritime crimes.

The JCG deployed its Settsu patrol vessel, with approximately 40 personnel onboard, to participate in the exercise alongside Bakamla’s KN Pulau Marore. The training focused on addressing maritime crimes and improving the monitoring of territorial waters.

“The aim of this exercise is to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in combating crime and monitoring territorial waters,” said Funahashi, the chief communicator of the Japan Coast Guard.

The exercise began at 8 a.m. local time when both vessels departed Jakarta’s Tanjung Priok Port. Offshore training commenced at 9 a.m., with the deployment of a water jet boat simulating a suspected pirate vessel.

The two patrol vessels coordinated efforts to pursue the simulated threat. At 10:11 a.m. local time, when the suspected boat was 1 nautical mile away, KN Pulau Marore initiated the chase, followed by Settsu. Both vessels closed the gap to 0.5 nautical miles.

“Settsu will chase the suspicious boat and issue a warning signal when it is within 0.5 nautical miles of the vessel,” Funahashi explained.

At 10:25 a.m., the patrol vessel raised a yellow and black flag and issued four warning signals, instructing the suspected boat to stop. Using a microphone, the command “Stop engine, stop engine” was delivered.

After successfully flanking the suspected boat, Settsu and KN Pulau Marore escorted it back to the port for further action.

This joint exercise underscores the commitment of Japan and Indonesia to strengthen maritime security cooperation and safeguard territorial waters against criminal activities.