VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Photo credit: Antara/HO-Bakamla RI

The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) is enhancing maritime cooperation with neighboring countries through a goodwill mission (port visit) by dispatching KN Pulau Dana-323 ship to Vietnam and Singapore.

The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency’s Public Relations Officer, Captain Yuhanes Antara, confirmed on Monday (7/10) that KN Pulau Dana-323 ship was officially sent off by Admiral Bambang Trijanto, Head of the Bakamla West Zone, at Batu Ampar Port, Batam, Riau Islands on Sunday (6/10).

Antara stated this goodwill mission is a program to strengthen maritime cooperation between Indonesia and neighboring countries, particularly Vietnam and Singapore.

Under this goodwill program, the KN Pulau Dana-323 ship is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Hananto Widhi Nugroho, with around 50 ship crew on duty.

Departing from Batam directly to Vietnam, KN Pulau Dana-323 will be on a 10-day goodwill mission and dock until October 11. The vessel will then sail to Singapore, with an expected arrival on October 13, and remain until October 16.

During the goodwill mission, the vessel will participate in various activities, including bilateral discussions and joint exercises. The mission aims to enhance information exchange and experience sharing in maritime law enforcement and security issues faced by the nations involved.

Antara news agency explained that this goodwill mission is one of the activities under the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), where ASEAN countries have agreed to conduct diplomatic visits as part of their cooperation.

The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) leaders will attend the bilateral meetings in both Vietnam and Singapore.

Antara emphasized that through this mission, the agency aims to reaffirm its commitment to Indonesia's maritime security and sovereignty. The mission is expected to not only strengthen cooperation among countries but also contribute to a safer and more stable environment in Southeast Asia.

Earlier, KN Pulau Dana-323 ship had completed a similar mission to Australia in 2022.