Batam, August 12, 2026 — The Europe Today: Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have launched a three-day trilateral maritime security exercise in Indonesia’s Riau Islands, aimed at strengthening cooperation, coordination and safety in waters shared by the three countries.
The exercise, being held from August 10 to 12, involves Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), the Singapore Police Coast Guard and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). Around 60 personnel from the three countries are participating in the drills.
Bakamla Chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah said the exercise forms part of INSIMA, a trilateral cooperation initiative involving Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
He said the exercise reflects the close relations, friendship and cooperation among the three countries in maintaining maritime security and safety.
The exercise is being conducted in waters around the Riau Islands as part of a high-level meeting on tripartite coast guard cooperation among the maritime security agencies of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
The activities began with the arrival of the Singapore Police Coast Guard vessel White Tip Shark and Malaysia’s KM Sibuan 2224. Vessels and personnel from all three countries are taking part in joint maritime security drills.
One of the key activities is a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure exercise led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), designed to strengthen operational coordination and enhance the participants’ capabilities in addressing maritime security challenges.
Vice Admiral Irvansyah said the exercise is expected to contribute to stronger maritime security in shared waters, including the Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait and Natuna Sea.
MMEA Director General Admiral (M) Datuk Haji Mohd. Rosli bin Abdullah said the exercise provides an important platform for the participating maritime agencies to exchange information, operational experience and best practices.
He emphasized that such cooperation would help the agencies implement effective practices in maintaining maritime security while strengthening professional networks among the three countries.
Singapore Police Coast Guard Commander SAC Ang Eng Seng said the joint exercise demonstrates the close ties between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
He expressed hope that continued cooperation among the three maritime security agencies would contribute to creating a safer regional maritime environment for communities and the wider public.
The trilateral exercise underscores the three countries’ shared commitment to enhancing maritime security, strengthening operational coordination and promoting stability and safety across strategically important regional waterways.
