The event was opened by Head of the Maritime Security Agency Rear Admiral Arie Soedewo in Semarang on Monday, aimed at improving synergy and exchanging experiences to address regional maritime security.
The seventeen countries attending the forum include Australia, Sri Lanka, China, Maldives, South Korea, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh, India, and East Timor.
Soedewo stated that the sea contributes to the welfare to its citizens.
"Several countries would want to increase their peoples welfare by utilizing the sea," Soedewo noted.
Through this forum, each country can learn and share information on handling security threats in their marine area.
Rear Admiral Soedewo believes that the marine areas in each country bear a resemblance.
Nevertheless, the handling of any security threats at sea is different, he added.
Therefore, the need for cooperation and exchange of information is essential to standardize every action taken in order to prevent security threats in marine areas.
Soedewo said that the Indonesian Marine Security Agency Bakamla is still coordinating with relevant stakeholders such as the Navy and Police.
However, when it comes to public law in international waters, the agency has an important role in handling any marine security threats.
Meanwhile, the Australian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Peter Laver has welcomed the annual session.
"In this forum we can learn, build trust, and share information," he pointed out.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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