Thus, we have a shared vision of making the region safe and comfortable.
Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - The implementation of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum is an attempt to maintain maritime security among ASEAN countries, Head of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Rear Admiral Aan Kurnia has said.

"The theme (of the forum) is ‘One Vision for Peaceful, Safe, and Secure Sea.’ Thus, we have a shared vision of making the region safe and comfortable. It will solve all issues," he informed at the opening press conference for the forum here on Tuesday.

The ASEAN Coast Guard Forum, which is being held in Bali from Tuesday to Friday (November 25, 2022), is being implemented for the first time, he said.

"The aim (of the forum) is to be a gathering platform for maritime security agencies in ASEAN, which has not been established before. Furthermore, we will exchange views, information, and experiences regarding (the implementation of) maritime security in our respective countries," he added.

The Bakamla head informed that the forum will discuss maritime cooperation as well as a plan for information sharing among maritime security agencies in ASEAN every month.

"There will also be a high-level meeting and a junior (officer) exchange. Thus, our young officers can exchange ideas (with each other)," he said.

The forum will conclude with the signing of the ASEAN Coast Guard Declaration, which would establish the Confident Building Nation (CBN) to strengthen trust among maritime law enforcers in ASEAN, he added.

A total of eight countries are attending the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum—Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Admiral Maritime Dato' Mohd Zubil bin Mat Som, lauded Bakamla’s initiative in establishing the forum.

"We know that we are facing a lot of cross-border crime issues and no one can work alone to handle these issues. We have to work together and share information," he said.

He also agreed with a proposal seeking Indonesia’s chairmanship of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum in 2023 to coincide with its ASEAN chairmanship.

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Translator: Ni Muliantari, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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