Indonesia Agrees to Aid Korean Ships in Distress off Southeast Asia

The governments of South Korea and Indonesia have agreed to reinforce their cooperation on naval and coast guard activities.

The Korea Coast Guard and the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency signed a letter of intent in Jakarta on May 26 to cooperate on overseas rescue operations.

Under the agreement, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency will help rescue Korean ships and airplanes in the Strait of Malacca, an important sea lane, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia during maritime disasters.

The two sides discussed how to promote bilateral cooperation and exchanges, such as holding joint training sessions and educational programs and sharing professional knowledge and technology related to search and rescue operations.

“Beginning with cooperation on preparing for potential maritime accidents, we also intend to reinforce cooperation on search and rescue operations with countries close to the Arctic, such as developing sea routes and protecting Korean ships and civilians,” said a Korea Coast Guard official.