Chief Admiral Irvansyah of Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) signed a maritime security cooperation pact with the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) in Piraeus, Greece. The agreement officially establishes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime security and safety, based on a Letter of Intent signed by both agencies in 2018.
Admiral Irvansyah had a meeting with HCG Commandant Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas at HCG headquarters to talk about collaborating on maritime initiatives and security efforts.
He mentioned that the collaboration between Indonesia and Greece currently involves territorial monitoring and mutual training drills.
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“The MoU is a continuation of the 2018 LoI,” Irvansyah says.
Before agreeing to the MoU with Greece, Bakamla from Indonesia intends to increase collaboration with Vietnam's coast guard. This includes working together on joint patrols in border waters that are shared, to address illegal activities and improve maritime security.
"We are exploring coordinated patrols," Bakamla Chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah said after welcoming Vietnam's Coast Guard vessel CSB-8001 at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta on Monday, August 25.
He mentioned that discussions on the technical aspects of the partnership will take place in meetings scheduled for the next few days. In addition, the alliance will involve shared exercises, exchange of personnel, and training initiatives.
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"This partnership will enhance our capabilities in safeguarding Indonesian and ASEAN waters," Irvansyah says, noting that it also aims to strengthen diplomatic ties with Vietnam.
To improve its ability to patrol the seas, Bakamla is planning to expand its fleet from 10 to 13 vessels. According to Irvansyah, one of the three vessels will be received as a gift from Japan, with the remaining two projected to be purchased with international funds.
ANTARA stated that Bakamla has had a meaningful effect in the fight against maritime crime. During October 2025, the Bakamla staff successfully prevented a pirate assault on ships carrying coal near Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Adi Poetra Sitanggang, the success took place while conducting a night patrol in KN Pulau Marore-322. While conducting the operation, authorities were alerted to a dubious wooden boat believed to be carrying pirates.
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This vessel was seen approaching the TB Kingston 818 and Tongkang Asiabay 106 at the specified coordinates of 00°39'14"S – 117°53'33"E around 9:28 pm local time.