"Commission I approved the acceptance of a grant of patrol boats from the Official Security Assistance (OSA) of Japan," Commission I chairperson Utut Adianto said at a working meeting with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and commander of the TNI, General Agus Subiyanto, here on Tuesday.
Minister Sjamsoeddin outlined the reasons for securing the two patrol boats from Japan.
First, the boats are important for guarding eight choke points or narrow spots in Indonesian territory.
"This is very important to know because like a house, if the doors are not guarded, thieves can enter," he pointed out.
Second, the provision of the main weapons system is in keeping with Indonesia's need for patrol boats measuring 18 meters long and 5 meters wide, with a speed of 40 knots as well as a capacity of two crew members and 14 passengers.
"Actually, this is the specification that we are happy to accept as a grant from the Japanese government," Sjamsoeddin informed.
In accepting the two patrol boats, according to him, Indonesia referred to the strategic, political, technical, and efficiency aspects.
On the same occasion, General Subiyanto said that the two patrol boats could fulfill the need for more effective and efficient patrols in Indonesia's coastal areas and territorial waters.
The patrol boats are expected to strengthen supervision and control of Indonesian maritime security, he informed.
Meanwhile, from the economic aspect, they could help save procurement costs, ensure operational cost efficiency, and optimize budget allocation.
From the political aspect, the grant of two patrol boats would benefit Indonesia-Japan diplomatic relations as well as support domestic political stability.
"The geographical aspect provides a multiplier effect in securing Indonesia's coastal areas while monitoring maritime traffic, as well as the existence of ALKI (Indonesian Archipelago Sea Channels)," Subiyanto added.
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Translator: Rio Feisal, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Primayanti
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