WNAM REPORT: Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) has partnered with several countries, including the United States and Vietnam for a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training program held at the Bakamla Maritime Training Center in Batam, Riau Islands, on Tuesday.
In an official press release received in Jakarta, Wednesday, Bakamla explained that the exercise aims to enhance the capabilities of coast guard personnel while strengthening bilateral relations between the participating countries.
“It is also supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (US-INL),” said Colonel Agus Sriyanto, Head of Bakamla’s Batam Base.
Sriyanto added that it is expected to improve individual skills and foster stronger cooperation among regional coast guards in maintaining maritime security.
“Through this training, we are building closer cooperation with our international partners while strengthening professionalism in safeguarding Indonesia’s seas,” he said.
The training, which runs from November 3 to 14, 2025, involves personnel from Bakamla, the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG), and the other international maritime law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The participants will undergo various training sessions, including ship boarding theory and simulation, maritime crime handling, work safety procedures, evidence management, as well as radiation and nuclear material detection.
In addition, they will take part in underway boarding exercises (inspection of moving vessels) conducted both day and night, and final exercise designed to test the operational readiness of the joint team.
