Indonesia armours its Maritime Vessels
Armoury meant to dissuade foreign intrusions in Indonesian waters.
South China Morning Post reports about Indonesian maritime forces (called Bakamla) arming their vessels amid relentless invasions from Vietnamese and Chinese fishing vessels, in the country’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) around the Natuna Islands. The authorisation for Bakamla vessels to be armoured was given in June last year. Now, these ships have been fitted with Stabilised Naval Gun Systems.
This development comes against the backdrop of increasing conflict around the South China Sea, involving China and various other countries in the region. While Indonesia does not have any direct conflict per se, China does stake its claim to regions around the islands.
Indonesia is reportedly having to perform a fine balancing act over the course of this move; given its increasing trade relations with China on one hand, and growing clamour within the country to act on the growing incursions, on the other.
