Jakarta: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are holding a joint maritime security exercise in Indonesia's Riau Islands aimed at strengthening coordination in some of Southeast Asia's busiest waterways, state media reported Tuesday. The three-day exercise, which began Monday, involves Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency, the Singapore Police Coast Guard, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

According to Anadolu Agency, sixty personnel are participating in the drill, which is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday. The exercise is part of a high-level meeting focused on tripartite coast guard cooperation. Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency Chief, Vice Adm. Irvansyah, stated that the exercise demonstrates the three countries' collaborative efforts in maintaining regional maritime security and safety.

Vice Adm. Irvansyah expressed hopes that the exercise would strengthen maritime security in the waters shared by the three countries, including the Malacca Strait, Singapore Strait, and Natuna Sea. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Adm. Haji Mohd Rosli bin Abdullah highlighted that the exercise also provides an opportunity for the agencies to exchange information, experience, and best practices in maritime security.