According to a press release of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Thursday, Minister O`Connor is in Indonesia this week to discuss mutual cooperation in managing maritime threats and improving regional security.
"Indonesia and Australia share a maritime border and that means we share security interests. The Gillard Government is working with our neighbors to achieve the greatest possible safety and security at sea in the interests of all our citizens," said Minister O`sConnor.
He said that Indonesia`s Maritime Security Board (Bakorkamla) will receive 200,000 Australian dollars from the Gillard Government to host a multilateral maritime security desktop exercise and law of the sea course in Jakarta in May.
Bakorkamla will invite maritime security organizations from ten regional countries to participate in the desktop exercise and training. The desktop exercise and law of the sea course will be facilitated by the University of Wollongong`s Australian National Center for Ocean Resources and Security.
The Gillard Government has also contributed two million Australian dollars for a maritime radio communication network to help combat maritime threats and transnational crime.
The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System will allow additional coverage in waters north of Australia from May this year.
The new network will expand operations to Regional Coordination Center in Merauke in Papua and Tual, which is north east of Darwin.
"The VHF radio network provides greater reception of radio transmissions and can monitor maritime radio messages from anywhere within the archipelago. With better monitoring, Indonesian authorities can deploy resources more swiftly and efficiently, potentially stopping crime and saving lives," he said.
The two initiatives will foster greater collaboration between maritime security agencies and boost their critical role in preventing the unlawful movement of people and goods across borders.
"Australia and Indonesia are working together to protect and police our adjoining waters to ensure the safety and security of the people of both our nations. Australia`s investments will help combat transnational crimes across our region, including people smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal foreign fishing," he added.(*)
(Tz.A050/A/H-NG )
Editor: Ruslan Burhani
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
