Indonesian navy to start joint patrols against piracy this year

The patrols will extend to the piracy-prone waters of the Sulu Sea, to realize the trilateral maritime agreement signed by the three countries in August. Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu was quoted as saying.

"I believe we can start the coordinated patrols this year. I will meet the Malaysian Defence Minister in the near future [to further discuss the plan]," Ryamizard said.

Aside from drafting the coordinated patrol routes, the Navy is also mulling the safest routes for commercial ships to use in the area, especially those traveling back and forth among the three countries.

The trilateral maritime agreement, signed by the Indonesian, Philippine and Malaysian defence ministers during a ministerial meeting in Bali, is aimed at strengthening regional cooperation to overcome security challenges in the countries’ maritime border areas, which have been beset by threats in recent months.

At least nine Indonesians are still being held captive by Philippine militants from the Abu Sayyaf group who have demanded ransoms in exchange for the hostages.