ARMY RECOGNITION



 

According to information published by Kompas on July 8, 2024, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) has received a new patrol vessel from the Japanese government.

A follow-up meeting regarding the donation was held between Bakamla and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The session, led by Bakamla's Secretary General, Vice Admiral T. E. Witjaksono, focused on the details of the patrol ship donation, valued at 9.053 billion yen.

The vessel,with a capacity for 70 crew members, measures 85.6 meters in length adn can reach speeds of up to 22 knots. Construction will take place in Japan, and upon completion, the ship will be officially handed over to Bakamla, by the Japanese government through JICA and Japan Marine Science Inc. (JMS).

Previously, Bakalma's Chief, Vice Admiral Irvansyah, met with the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Masaki Yasushi, on March 22, 2024. This meeting discussed the vessel donation, highlighting the shard maritime values between Japan and Indonesia, particularky the importance of maintaining and enhancing maritime order basedon the rule of law.



JAPAN STRATEGY

Japan's policy of donating patrol vessel to other countries primarly aims to enhance maritime security and strenghten diplomatic realtions. This initiative is largerly driven by Japanese's strategic interest in maintaining regional stability and countering China's growing maritime influence.

One naotable example is donation of patrol vessel to the Philippines. Japan and the Philippines have a long-satnding partnership, which includes the procurement of multi-role response vessel (MRRVs) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. The latest agreement involves five additional 97-meter patrol vessels to enhance the PCG's capability in the West Philippine Sea, a region with significant geopolitical tensions.