AsiaOperationsPiracy

Indonesian president vows to stamp out piracy

Indonesia’s president Joko Widodo has vowed to stamp out escalating maritime violence near its borders.

Speaking yesterday as 10 Indonesian seafarers were released by Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaff Widodo said a meeting in Jakarta to be held on May 5 between Indonesian, Malaysian and Philippine authorities would look at setting up joint naval patrols between the three countries’ maritime borders.

“This week we will invite military commanders and foreign ministers from the Philippines and Malaysia to meet here. We will set up a joint patrol to assure the shipping lane in the area is safe,” the president said.

Indonesia defence forces commander General Gatot Nurmantyo said that efforts are still being taken to release four other Indonesian citizens that are being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf in the far south of the Philippines.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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