Batam – United States (US) Charge d’Affaires (CDA) for Indonesia, Michael F. Kleine together with the Head of Bakamla RI Laksdya TNI Irvansyah led the inauguration of the Maritime Training Center “Anambas” Bakamla RI at the Batam Fleet Base, Monday, (29/1 ).
“Today marks a significant achievement in maritime cooperation between Indonesia and the United States. In the four years since construction of this training center began, it is hoped that it will increase Indonesia’s maritime capabilities and strengthen Indonesia’s role as a leader in fighting crime both at the domestic and transnational levels,” said CDA Kleine.
Meanwhile,
Head of Bakamla RI Laksdya TNI Dr Irvansyah said, that in the ocean of friendship between the United States and Indonesia, which was marked by the “Anambas” Maritime Training Center in Batam, it was a historic milestone.
“Together, we not only carry out training for sailors, but also strengthen ties between countries and strengthen ties that encourage progress and maritime security for a safe and prosperous future,” said Laksdya TNI Dr Irvansyah.
The “Anambas” Maritime Training Center in Batam was funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), the development of the Center. Maritime training worth 1.5 million US dollars marks the completion of the second phase of cooperation in Batam. This comprehensive training center includes six classrooms, a conference room and offices.
Previously, the first phase of construction was completed in June 2022, for dining room facilities, as well as men’s and women’s barracks which can accommodate up to 50 students and 12 instructors. Both phases of the project received support from the US Coast Guard (USCG) and US Naval Facilities Engineering Command.
Continuing the Maritime Training Center Inauguration procession, CDA Kleine and Rear Admiral TNI Dr. Irvansyah pressed the siren button as a sign of the official opening of the Maritime Training Center operations. The two of them also took the time to tour the Maritime Training Center facilities.
Not long after it opened, 16 Bakamla RI personnel became the first students at this training center. The first class is Small Boat Operator Instructor Training which lasts for two weeks. This training also featured facilitators from the USCG and aimed to prepare Bakamla RI instructors to train Bakamla RI personnel in the future.
Increasing these skills will develop Indonesia’s ability to ensure safety and security in Indonesian waters.
The inauguration of this training center was held after previously signing the Maritime Security Bilateral Work Plan on November 8 2023. This bilateral work plan aims to direct INL’s capacity development assistance to further increase maritime domain awareness and law enforcement in Indonesian seas. Bembo
