"Today marks a significant achievement in maritime cooperation between Indonesia and the United States. In the four years since the start of construction of this Training Center, it is expected to enhance Indonesia's maritime capabilities and strengthen Indonesia's role as a leader in fighting crime at both domestic and transnational levels," Charge d'affaires of the United States of America (USA) Embassy in Indonesia Michael F. Kleine said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of "Anambas" Maritime Training Center on Monday.

In his remarks, Bakamla Head Vice Admiral Irvansyah concurred that the “Anambas” Maritime Training Center is a milestone in the Indonesia-US friendship.

"Together, we are not only training seafarers, but also strengthening the bonds between our countries, promoting progress and maritime security for a secure and prosperous future," Irvansyah said.

Funded by the US State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), the construction of the US$1.5 million Maritime Training Center marks the completion of the second phase of cooperation in Batam. The comprehensive training center includes six classrooms, conference rooms and offices.

The first phase construction of the center was completed in June 2022, including dining facilities, as well as male and female barracks that can accommodate up to 50 students and 12 instructors. Both phases of the project received support from the US Coast Guard (USCG) and the US Naval Facilities Engineering Command.

On the occasion, Kleine and Vice Admiral Irvansyah pressed the siren button, marking the official opening of the Maritime Training Center's operations. Both took the time to tour the Center facilities.

Shortly after the opening, 16 Bakamla personnel became the first students at the Center. The inaugural batch of students will join a two-week Small Boat Operator Instructor Training Session. The training features facilitators from the USCG and aims to prepare Bakamla instructors to train future Bakamla personnel. This skill enhancement will develop Indonesia's ability to ensure safety and security in the archipelago's waters.

The inauguration of the Training Center comes after the signing of the Maritime Security Bilateral Work Plan on November 8, 2023, which aims to direct INL's capacity building assistance to further enhance Indonesia's maritime domain awareness and law enforcement at sea.