We will focus more on thwarting narcotics trafficking activities, especially those carried out in seas.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appointed Vice Admiral Irvansyah as the new head of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.

At a press conference following his inauguration, Irvansyah said that Bakamla, which was established on December 8, 2014, is facing several challenges.

"We are a young organization that is currently and will be facing numerous challenges," he stated.

The former leader of the Indonesian Military Sealift Command informed that President Widodo had instructed him to maintain and monitor the maritime security of Indonesia by strengthening collaboration between Bakamla and related institutions, ministries, and agencies.

Irvansyah said the security agency, along with the Indonesian Navy, is responsible for monitoring Indonesia's borders in the North Natuna Sea, which is part of the South China Sea.

"The President, through the state secretary (minister), asked me to work in collaboration and synergy with other institutions, ministries, and agencies, including the Indonesian Defense Forces, to manage our seas," he added.

He affirmed that under his leadership, Bakamla will step up efforts to protect Indonesian seas from drug traffickers.

"We will focus more on thwarting narcotics trafficking activities, especially those carried out in seas. Hopefully, we will achieve better results," he said.

Vice Admiral Irvansyah succeeded Vice Admiral (retd.) Aan Kurnia as Bakamla head, in accordance with the Presidential Decree No. 118/TPA of 2023 regarding the dismissal and appointment of high-ranking officers of Bakamla.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, and State Secretary Minister Praktino witnessed Irvansyah's inauguration as Bakamla head.

Commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces, Admiral Yudo Margono; chief of the National Police, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo; and Chief of Staff of the Army, General Dudung Abdurrachman, also attended the inauguration ceremony.


Related news: Indonesia's Bakamla seizes Vietnamese fishing boat in Natuna Sea
Related news: RI detains foreign tanker over illegal transshipment, AIS manipulation







Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2023