TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) chief Vice Admiral Desy Albert Mamahit said the Bakamla planned to build more maritime bases in several regions as its current bases in Batam, Manado and Ambon were deemed insufficient. “We need another seven to 10 locations,” Mamahit told reporters on Wednesday.
The new bases will be built in regions with crowded and strategic waters, such as Sabang Island, North Sumatera coast, West Sumatera coast, Cilacap, Makassar, Balikpapan, Natuna, Sorong and Merauke. “Every base will be headed by an echelon one official or equal to a one-star general,” said Mamahit.
Mamahit hoped the bases could be built quickly, but declined to provide details on the budget to build them. He only said that more bases would help the Bakamla secure the Indonesian waters.
Besides constructing bases, the Bakamla also has plans to increase the number of its patrol fleets. The Bakamla will receive at least three 48-meter patrol vessels by the end of this year. The three vessels are produced domestically.
Mamahit hoped the three new vessels could improve the Bakamla’s patrol operation, which was presently done with only three ships. “We also plan to buy bigger vessels, helicopters and seaplanes,” said Mamahit.
INDRA WIJAYA
