Indonesia, Philippine to Hold Joint Patrols Against Piracy
27 October 2016 09:24 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Navy (TNI AL) acknowledges the importance of coordinated patrol with its Philippine counterpart to step up border security between the two country, following abductions by Abu Sayyaf separatist group.
“We will soon hold joint border patrols, it is proposed to be held twice a year,” said East Fleet commander Rear Adm. Darwanto after concluding the 35th Philippines-Indonesia Border Committee Meeting at the Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. The patrol will be centered around maritime border between the two countries in Sulu waters, i.e. between Indonesia’s Miangas and the Philippines.
Darwono said that Indonesia and the Philippines has already had border security cooperation. Including surveillance of business ships that operate around dangerous waters.
He said that TNI AL has yet to establish an official cooperation with the Philippines-Western Command. The Philippines navy establishment comprise of two type commands: Western Command (Wescom) and Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom). “We have only established cooperation with Eastern MinCom. We will push for cooperation with the Western [Command].”
TNI AL is hosting 35th Philippines-Indonesia Border Committee Meeting at the Eastern Fleet Command Headquarters on October 25-28, 2016. The meeting highlights border security cooperation, which include increased operation and intelligence, coordinated border patrols and exchange of information through effective communication.
Indonesian delegates are chaired by Eastern Fleet commander Rear Adm. Darwanto. The Philipine delegates are chaired by Eastmincom commander Lt. General Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero.
ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA
