Funded By US Rp79 Billion, Indonesian Bakamla Builds Maritime Training Center In Batam

Bakamla and AS inaugurate a maritime training center in Batam. ANTARA/Jessica

KEPRI - The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the United States (US) inaugurated the 'Anambas' Maritime Training Center building in Batam City, Riau Islands (Kepri). The head of Bakamla RI, Admiral TNI Irvansyah, said this was the result of a collaboration between Bakamla and the US to support the security and safety of water areas in Indonesia. "Therefore, we continue to be committed to always creating the security of Indonesian marine conditions that are free from all forms of law violations and provide a sense of security to marine users," said Irvansyah in Batam, Monday, January 29, as reported by Antara. He said that the construction of the maritime training center was in accordance with Bakamla RI's vision and mission, especially in an effort to establish an educational unit or a coast guard academy. "With this training center, the focus of increasing the capacity of Indonesian Bakamla personnel can be carried out independently and adjusting the needs of Bakamla RI," he said. According to him, the ocean of friendship between the US and Indonesia, the Maritime Training Center “Anambas” in Batam is a historic milestone. "Together, training is not only carried out for sailors, but also strengthens relations between countries and strengthens attachment that encourages sea progress and security for a safe and prosperous future," he said.

The construction of a maritime training center financed by the Bureau of International Narcotic Affairs and Law Enforcement (INL) is worth US$5 million or Rp79 billion covering six classrooms, conference rooms, dormitories, offices to simulators. Meanwhile, the US Embassy's Ad Interim Business Authority in Indonesia Michael F. Kleine said that the maritime training center aims to build a professionalism culture and can develop a platform so that it can invite other parties to work together. "We will make Indonesia a leader to answer maritime challenges in the future," said Kleine.