In addition, the eradication of illegal fishing must be maintained."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan has opened the 12th Head of Asian Coast Guard Agency Meeting held October 12 to 14, 2016.
"I hope the meeting could strengthen the regional maritime security framework," Luhut Binsar Panjaitan said in his opening remarks here on on Wednesday.
The 2016 HACGAM was attended by representatives of 20 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, India, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Thailand.
Those participating in the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and the Japan International Cooperation agency (JICA) also attended the conference.
Indonesia played an important role in contributing to regional maritime security.
"This is because we have to secure 54,000 coastlines," the minister stated.
Therefore, the government should strengthen the Maritime Security Board (Bakamla).
"In addition, the eradication of illegal fishing must be maintained," the minister stated.
However, the national fishing industry should be improved, in an attempt to increase the welfare of fishermen.
Bakamla chief Rear Admiral Ari Soedewo said that maritime safety and security has become an international issue.
"A lot of crimes are carried out at sea. Therefore, maritime security in the region should be maintained," he pointed out.
The forum was expected to enhance communication and coordination, as part of the efforts to handle issues of maritime security in the region.
"HACGAM member states should contribute to the improvement of regional maritime security," he added.
(Uu.A063/INE/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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