Australia and Indonesia have concluded in Bali a coordinated patrol aimed at improving security along the shared maritime border.
Coordinated maritime patrol AUSINDO CORPAT 2018, the eighth iteration of the exercise, began in Darwin on April 16 following seven days of joint exercises between the two nations’ defense forces.
The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) HMAS Broome and Indonesian Armed Forces’ (TNI) naval vessels KRI Layang and Kakap covered waters between Australia and Indonesia over nine days, targeting maritime security threats, including illegal fishing, while improving the collection and sharing of information between the two nations.
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Peter Laver said the operation contributed to regional security and enhanced each country’s ability to fight illicit activity in the shared maritime territory.
“As neighbours in a dynamic region, Australia and Indonesia’s defence relationship is vital,” Rear Admiral Laver said.
“We have a mutual and abiding interest in the security and stability of waters between our countries and the free movement of trade and investment through these domains,” Laver added.
During the exercise, HMAS Broome apprehended two Indonesian fishing vessels east of Ashmore Island in the Timor Sea carrying 100 kilograms of fresh reef fish and 50 kilograms of partially frozen reef fish.