Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are strengthening maritime security cooperation through a three-day joint coast guard exercise in Riau Islands, aimed at improving coordination and safety in the busy waters shared by the three countries.

The exercise, involving the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla RI), Singapore Police Coast Guard (SPCG) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), is being held from August 10-12, 2026, with around 60 personnel from the three countries participating.

Bakamla RI Chief Deputy Admiral Irvansyah said the exercise is part of the trilateral cooperation known as INSIMA, an acronym for Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. “This shows our close relationship, friendship and cooperation with Malaysia and Singapore in maintaining maritime security and safety,” Irvansyah said in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday, August 11, as quoted by Antara.

The exercise is part of the High-Level Meeting Tripartite Coast Guard Cooperation, which brings together senior coast guard officials from the three countries. The activities began with the arrival of SPCG vessel White Tip Shark (PH58) and MMEA vessel KM Sibuan 2224. The vessels were escorted by Bakamla vessels CAT 508 and HSC 32-02.

The three countries' vessels and personnel will also take part in joint exercises and observe a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Irvansyah said the trilateral exercise could serve as an example of maritime security cooperation for other countries in the region. “Our shared goal is maritime security in the waters between the three countries, particularly the Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait and Natuna Sea. Hopefully, this will strengthen our cooperation and improve coordination,” he said.

The cooperation is considered important as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore share busy maritime routes that face various potential security threats.

MMEA Director General Admiral (M) Datuk Haji Mohd. Rosli bin Abdullah said the exercise also provides an opportunity for the three agencies to exchange information, experience and best practices in maritime law enforcement. “Through exercises like this, we can implement best practices in maintaining maritime security and strengthen networking between countries,” he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore Police Coast Guard Commander SAC Ang Eng Seng said the cooperation between Bakamla RI, MMEA and SPCG reflects the close relations among Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. “We hope this cooperation can contribute to creating safer regional waters for the community,” he said. ***

https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5688700/bakamla-ri-latihan-bersama-coast-guard-malaysia-singapura-di-kepri