Indonesia calls out Malaysia for ‘ineffective’ security following fresh kidnappings

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/ANN): The government has lambasted the “ineffective coordination” of Malaysian authorities following the abduction of five Indonesian fishermen last week in waters off Sabah, the latest incident to underscore the lack of security in the tri-border area between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Six members from a faction of the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group abducted on Thursday five Indonesian fishermen from their trawler in Sabah’s easternmost waters off Lahad Datu, about 10 minutes from the Tawi-Tawi chain of islands in the southern Philippines.

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Source: thestar.com.my

Indonesia plans to buy bigger ships for coast guard

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia plans to buy bigger vessels to allow its coast guards to travel across the ocean, notably the Natuna Sea off Riau Islands, and expand their patrol reach, local media reported.

The plan was announced after Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto had reportedly bought frigates for the Indonesian Navy from Denmark.

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Source: en.vietnamplus.vn

US, Philippine Navies Sail from Manila Bay

SOUTH CHINA SEA

03.19.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet

SOUTH CHINA SEA – U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducted a maritime cooperative activity with Philippine Navy (PN) vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16), March 19.

Following Blue Ridge’s port visit to Manila in which 7th Fleet-Philippine Navy staff talks were held, the routine drills strengthened both navies’ ability to communicate, maneuver and operate together. The U.S. and Philippine navies routinely conduct engagements, exercises and port visits like this and have done so for decades.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the relationships we’ve built with our allies in the Philippines,” said Capt. Eric Anduze, commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge. “Having the opportunity to work closely with them at sea only strengthens our crew’s ability to operate in the Indo-Pacific.”

Exercises like MTA Sama Sama, Balikatan, SEACAT and RIMPAC enhance maritime cooperation between both navies, while annual missions like Pacific Partnership bolster humanitarian assistance disaster relief (HADR) capabilities.

Blue Ridge recently completed a nearly 2-year extended dry-dock selected restricted availability period and numerous certifications, to ensure she remains ready to provide security in the Indo-Pacific region. Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Eric Anduze and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force.

Source: dvidshub.net