New Indonesian Patrol Ships to Set Sail for Natuna, Other Border Areas
Jakarta. Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has officiated the launching ceremony of four locally built Orca patrol ships that will join the Indonesian Fisheries Inspectorate Vessels System (Skipi) armada, media reports said on Friday (08/04).
The move is meant to prove the government's resolve in protecting Indonesia's maritime resources.
"I want Skipi to contribute more on securing the seas, our EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone], for poachers to see the government's presence in guarding our waters," Susi said at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.
She said the ships will be used to patrol waters off Natuna — the scene of a recent clash with the Chinese coast guard — as well in the Arafuru sea between Papua and Australia and other border areas.
Up to three ships are to be added to the armada annually, the minister said.
"They carry 24 crew members each, 15 from the PSDKP [Maritime Resources Supervisory Team] of the ministry," Susi explained. "We are assisted by the Navy and Marines to train them."
The homemade Orca ships are 60 meters long, have a maximum speed of 25 knots and are capable of operating for a maximum of 14 days in a row.
The ships' crews are allowed to stop, search, escort and detain any vessels suspected of illegal activities in Indonesian waters. They will be taken to the nearest harbor for further investigation.
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