INSIMA exercise strengthens coordination across shared regional waters.
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are strengthening maritime security cooperation through a three-day trilateral exercise in the waters surrounding the Riau Islands.
Held from August 10 to 12, the exercise brings together personnel from Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla RI), the Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG), and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Around 60 personnel from the three countries are participating.
Head of Indonesia’s Bakamla RI, Vice Admiral TNI Dr Irvansyah, said the exercise forms part of the trilateral cooperation initiative known as INSIMA, involving Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
“This shows our close relationship, friendship and cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore in maintaining maritime security and safety,” Vice Admiral Irvansyah said at the Bakamla base in Batam.
The exercise is part of the High-Level Meeting Tripartite Coast Guard Cooperation, which brings together maritime security leaders from the three countries.
The programme began with the arrival of Singapore Police Coast Guard vessel White Tip Shark (PH58) and Malaysia’s KM Sibuan 2224. The vessels were met by Indonesian Bakamla vessels CAT 508 and HSC 32-02.
Alongside the high-level meeting, vessels and personnel from the three countries are participating in joint exercises and observing a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Vice Admiral Irvansyah said the cooperation was important for maritime security across the Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait and Natuna Sea, where the three countries share busy maritime areas and face potential security threats.
He also expressed hope that the cooperation could serve as an example of maritime security collaboration for other countries in the region.
Director General of Malaysia’s MMEA, Admiral (M) Datuk Haji Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah, said the exercise provides an opportunity for the agencies to exchange information, experience and best practices while strengthening professional networks.
“Through exercises like this, we can implement best practices for maintaining maritime security and strengthen networking between countries,” Admiral Rosli said.
Singapore Police Coast Guard Commander SAC Ang Eng Seng said the cooperation reflects the close ties between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
“We hope this cooperation can contribute to creating safer regional waters for communities,” Commander Ang said.
The exercise reflects a shared commitment by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to safer waters, while strengthening the coordination, trust and cooperation needed to address maritime security challenges together.
Source: ANTARA News
