REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The newly established Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) will integrate maritime security affairs, stated Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno.
"Bakamla is expected to ease bureaucratic network and coordination among maritime law enforcers," the minister remarked during a seminar on maritime issues here on Tuesday.
It is hoped that streamlining the government's management will help in accelerating the realization of a maritime axis concept, which is expected to improve the public's welfare.
The establishment of Bakamla is a mandate of Law No. 32/2014 on maritime affairs to integrate security implementation by involving military and civilian institutions such as the navy, the national police, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, and the immigration and excise office.
The Indonesian Navy, the national police, and the Transportation Ministry are ready to provide some of their boats to Bakamla for patrolling the nation's water territory.
The fuel shortage problem has been handled as the Transportation Ministry has pledged to share its surplus fuel stock, he noted.
The harsh measure adopted by the government to sink foreign boats found poaching in Indonesian waters will be intensified, though in accordance with the legal process.
"It will have a deterrent effect on those who steal fish," the coordinating minister emphasized.
The establishment of Bakamla was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo during the commemoration of Nusantara (Archipelago) 2014 Day in Kotabaru of South Kalimantan on Monday.
Cabinet Secretary Andi Wijayanto was quoted as saying on the institution's website that establishment of the agency is based on Presidential Regulation No.178/2014 about Bakamla.
The agency is assigned the key task of patrolling and maintaining the safety and security of Indonesian waters.
"The establishment of Bakamla indicates a new era of synergy for ocean security operations, which are supported by the integrated Early Warning System and the Law Enforcement Unit," Andi stated.
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