Jakarta to Boost Security of Small Vessels

 

Indonesia is currently discussing with the International Maritime Organisation the rules for deployment of naval and coast guard vessels to escort small vessels delivering traded goods between Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, after a series of hijackings in the Sulu and Celebes seas by Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) pirates. 

 

Jakarta will also coordinate with ship-owners and coal mining associations to urge vessels to take safe routes away from areas known to have a large pirate presence.

 

ASG has kidnapped tens of Indonesian and Malaysian seamen from small vessels since March in a bid to raise funds through ransom, says PVI Analysis.

 

The hijackings have damaged Indonesia’s exports of coal to the Philippines, 15 percent of which is transported on slow-moving barges and tug-boats. 

 

In April, Banjarmasin and Tarakan Ports suspended coal shipments to the Philippines.