Indonesia Discusses How to Improve Maritime Safety in Two Straits

VIVA – The Indonesian government through the Transportation Ministry explained that the Interstate Joint Hydrographic Survey Project is a significant initiative to improve maritime safety in two straits, namely Malacca and Singapore Straits. 

This was conveyed by Indonesia and the governments of Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan when attended a meeting the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Meeting of the Organizing Committee of the Joint Hydrographic Survey of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The meeting was organized by the Malacca Straits Council (MSC) in Singapore. 

The meeting discussed the implementation of improved safety in the Malacca and Singapore straits. The commitment is the result of strong cooperation between the Governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and the MSC, under the mechanism of Article 43 of UNCLOS. 

The activity, initiated at the 39th TTEG Meeting in Langkawi, Malaysia in 2014, was divided into two phases: The first phase was to conduct hydrographic surveys in 5 critical areas in the Malacca Strait and Singapore Strait and was successfully implemented in 2015.

While Phase 2 was conducted to conduct hydrographic surveys along the Traffic Separation Scheme at Sea (TSS) which has a depth of less than 30 meters. Phase 2 is planned to be implemented from 2017 to 2020, which was later extended to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

At the meeting, the Indonesian delegation, comprising representatives of the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the Transportation Ministry and the Indonesian Navy Hydro-Oceanographic Center (Pushidrosal), is led by the ministry's Head of Signs and Workshops Sub-directorate Yudhonur Setyaji.

Setyaji explained that one of the essential agendas to be discussed at the meeting is the ASEAN Hydrographic Survey Workshop which is scheduled to be held in September 2023 in Jakarta and will be attended by Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi.

"By carrying out this survey, we can obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the condition of the seabed and water depth in the Malacca and Singapore Straits, which is, of course, crucial for the implementation of safe navigation, port management, and marine environment protection," he stated in a written statement received on Thursday. 

Setyaji also expressed optimism that the meeting can provide opportunities for all involved parties to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss ways forward for the joint hydrographic survey.

"I believe our cooperation can generate real benefits for navigational safety and the marine environment protection in Malacca and Singapore Straits," he expected.