Speaking to journalists after meeting with Bakamla chief, Rear Admiral Ari Soedewo, Wiranto stressed that close cooperation between maritime institutions was needed to respond to challenging issues such as illegal fishing, piracy and hostage-taking cases.
"[Through close synergy], Bakamla could help propel the strength of existing institutions in doing their jobs to secure the country's maritime territories," Wiranto said.
Bakamla, which was established on 13 December 2014 to replace the Maritime Security Coordinating Board, still has many shortcomings, said Wiranto, adding that it currently has only six patrol vessels expected to operate throughout Indonesian's vast maritime territory.
Therefore, Bakamla should coordinate further with the Indonesian Navy since it has more vessels and resources. “The synergy would also help both institutions to overcome overlapping regulations,” he added.
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