The minister noted that a report on the threats was published by the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) regarding the sea on March 14, 2023.
"Apart from threats to territorial waters and jurisdictions, we must pay attention to maritime security and safety in relation to technological developments as stated in the UN Secretary General's report on the sea three months ago," he stated in a Workshop on Maritime Security at a hotel in Jakarta, Wednesday.
He pointed out that the development of maritime technology will also facilitate the occurrence of crimes. This condition must be considered for transforming national maritime security, he said.
Mahfud emphasized that one of the visions of Golden Indonesia 2045 in the national long-term development plan (RPJPN) is development in the maritime sector. The success of this target will be greatly supported by the safety factor of the sea.
"It is hoped that Indonesia will be able to take on a bigger role in responding to the developing geopolitical situation," he said.
He noted that maritime security is a strategic issue that should become the concern of the government. In addition, Mahfud said that President Jokowi has given directions to ministries/institutions (K/L) that have authority at sea to have the same understanding.
The minister noted that the government is responsible for handling security in order to maintain sovereignty and the territorial areas, so the efforts must be well-coordinated.
Since various K/L currently have limited resources, safeguarding security, ensuring safety, and conducting law enforcement at sea should be carried out in synergy and be well-coordinated, he remarked.
This has also been stipulated in Government Regulation Number 13 of 2022 concerning the Implementation of Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement in Indonesian Waters and Indonesian Jurisdictional Areas, he added.
He said that in the near future, the substance in the regulation will be strengthened in the draft revision of changes to the maritime law initiated by the House of Representatives (DPR).
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Translator: Narda Margaretha S, Resinta S
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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