Batam faces the Singapore Strait, an important sea lane for transporting oil to Japan. It is also considered strategic as a gateway to the South China Sea for Indonesia.
The training focused on technology to monitor maritime conditions, gather information, and quickly respond to the discovery of suspicious ships or conduct maritime rescue.
On the second day, participants boarded a Japan Coast Guard jet to learn about monitoring of the waters around Sumatra island using radar and other equipment, and how to report that to headquarters.
Ferdinand Roring, First Admiral of the Indonesian Coast Guard, said there is potential for incidents of human trafficking, illegal logging and illegal migration in the area.
Roring, who observed the training, said ensuring the safety of shipping in the area is challenging. He added that he was grateful for cooperation with the Japan Coast Guard that makes use of its advanced surveillance capabilities.
Indonesian Colonel Krisworo took part in the training and said it was useful not only for Indonesia but its neighbors. "If something happens in the ocean, we can carry on discussions with our fellow coast guards to find an appropriate solution," he said.
Captain Roland Lorenzana, a participant from the Philippine Coast Guard National Headquarters, said the challenges surrounding his nation are increasing for both the Philippines and its neighbors.
He said the Philippines is trying to do modernize its coast guard and welcomed the assistance from Japan.
Japan's Coast Guard has been working to improve the capabilities of coast guards in ASEAN countries. It has previously provided patrol boats to help them maintain their vessels and support their operational plans.
Rear Admiral Adachi Motonari of the Japan Coast Guard said there have been recent incidents in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea in which Japan-related ships have come under threat. He said countries are increasingly interested in obtaining information at top speed and he wants to increase coordination between them.
