Head Of Bakamla Bahas Maritime Security With Indonesian Embassy In Washington DC

Head of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Admiral TNI Irvansyah (left) during a visit to the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC, United States (US), Saturday (09/03/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Bakamla RI)

Head of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Admiral TNI Irvansyah discussed marine security during a visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Washington DC, United States (US).

The head of Bakamla was greeted by the Charge d'Affaire (CDA) of the Indonesian Embassy to the US Ida Bagus Made Bimantara and the Indonesian Defense Attache (Athan) Marsma TNI Edwardus Wisoko Aribowo, along with his ranks.

"Bakamla RI will always work hard in carrying out its duties and obligations to realize maritime security and safety, not only for Indonesia, but for the entire nation. Considering that the sea is a shared legacy of all mankind," said Irvansyah on the occasion, as quoted by ANTARA from a written statement, Saturday, March 9.

Meanwhile, the CDA of the Indonesian Embassy in the US Ida Bagus Made Bimantara said that the cooperation between the two countries had been well established, including in the field of defense and more specifically in the field of marine security.

"The role of Bakamla RI in its capacity as the Indonesian Coast Guard is currently partnering positively with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and will strengthen again in the future," said Ida Bagus.

According to him, indications related to this were shown in a joint statement from the meeting of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and US President Joe Biden in 2023, where strengthening maritime security cooperation and its relation to Bakamla RI are one of the important points.

In addition to visiting the Indonesian Embassy in Washington DC, the Head of Bakamla RI also met with the Deputy of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Vice Admiral (Vadm) Eugene Black at the Pentagon, Washington DC, USA, Saturday, as part of his working visit to Uncle Sam's country.

VAdm Black told the Head of Bakamla RI that the marine security aspect is increasingly important, not only in the Southeast Asia and Indo-Pacific regions. He emphasized that the US Navy has seen the increasingly significant role of Bakamla RI in realizing maritime security.

Black also conveyed an invitation to Bakamla RI to participate in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise which will be held in June 2024 in Hawaii, USA.

RIMPAC is the largest international maritime exercise in the world held every two years. The exercise aims to build relationships and skills that promote accessibility, safety and security in the high seas.