The agreement formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime security and safety, building on a 2018 Letter of Intent signed by both agencies.
Admiral Irvansyah met HCG Commandant Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas at HCG headquarters to discuss joint maritime initiatives and security collaboration.
“The MoU is a continuation of the 2018 LoI,” Irvansyah said in a statement released Tuesday in Jakarta.
The cooperation between Indonesia and Greece already includes territorial surveillance, and joint training exercises, he said.
Prior to signing the MoU with Greece, Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) also plans to expand cooperation with Vietnam's coast guard, including joint patrols in shared border waters to combat illegal activities and enhance maritime security.
"We are exploring coordinated patrols," Bakamla Chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah said after welcoming Vietnam's Coast Guard vessel CSB-8001 at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta on Monday, August 25.
He added that technical details of the cooperation will be discussed in meetings over the coming days. The collaboration will also include joint exercises, personnel exchanges, and training programs.
"This partnership will enhance our capabilities in safeguarding Indonesian and ASEAN waters," Irvansyah said, noting that it also aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Vietnam.
As part of its efforts to enhance maritime patrol capabilities, Bakamla plans to increase its fleet from 10 to 13 vessels.
According to Irvansyah, one of the three ships will be obtained through a donation from Japan, while the other two are expected to be acquired using foreign loans.
ANTARA reported that Bakamla has made a significant impact in combating maritime crime. In October 2025, Bakamla personnel foiled a pirate attack on coal-carrying vessels near Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
According to KN Pulau Marore-322 commander Lt. Col. Adi Poetra Sitanggang, the success occurred during a night patrol.
During the operation, officers received reports of a suspicious wooden boat, suspected of being pirates, approaching the TB Kingston 818 and Tongkang Asiabay 106 at coordinates 00°39'14"S – 117°53'33"E at 9:28 p.m. local time.
The two vessels were carrying a combined 7,407 metric tons of coal.
Translator: Walda M, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
