Indonesia Moots Naval Joint Patrols in Sulu Sea Area

Three Indonesian naval ships of corvette offshore patrol class.

Jakarta, 22 Rajab 1437/01 May 2016 (MINA) – The possibility of naval joint patrols will be on the agenda when Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia meet in Jakarta on May 5.

Indonesia mooted the idea after the recent spate of hijacking and kidnapping by pirates in the Sulu Sea, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) reported quoting Cna.

Joint patrols may reduce such incidents, according to maritime security experts. They, however, conceded that the countries involved will also need to consider their naval resources, which are already stretched.

“If the government has agreed on patrols around Sulu Sea, then Indonesia needs more resources, needs more vessels, needs more funding. Philippine navy resources are very limited right now, their focus is on their claims on South China Sea instead of southern Philippines, Mindanao and Sulu islands,” said maritime security analyst Almak Helvas Ali.

To overcome the gaps, analysts suggested that naval patrols can be supported by the air force.

“We call it ‘Eye-In-The-Sky’, where patrols involve not only the navy but also the air force. We have the CN90 which is the maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). We have four or five, and we can deploy them. This is the same thing how we can use this ‘Eye-In-The-Sky’ like (we do) in the Strait of Malacca,” said Indonesia Institute for Strategic and Defense Studies’ Programme Coordinator Beni Sukadis.

On the question of interoperability, the analysts said the three countries will also need to define the area of patrols in the vast waterways of the Sulu Sea.

“Indonesia does not share a border with Philippines in the Sulu Sea. Malaysia does, Indonesia only shares borders with Malaysia in Sulawesi Sea. So, the question is: Where is the area of patrol? Where is the area of operations? Is it in respective territorial waters or is it in international waters?,” Mr Alman said.

This may be complicated by outstanding territorial disputes between Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia.

Indonesia and Malaysia have competing claims over the Ambalat sea block, off the east coast of Borneo. In addition, Philippines and Malaysia are locked over territorial dispute in North Borneo.

Indonesia hopes such territorial disputes will not obstruct the joint patrols by the three countries.

“The problem is like this. I think the problem between the Philippines and Malaysia is about the old issue on Sabah. So, we would like to calm down and see that this is now a common problem. Let’s work together,” said Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan.

The Malacca Straits Patrol also marked its 10th anniversary on Apr 21, 2016. Over the past decade, measures taken by the littoral states have improved security in one of the world’s busiest waterways. Analysts said a similar arrangement should also be established by Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia, and it will provide much-needed security in the Sulu Sea. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)