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JAPAN-INDONESIA JOINT ANNOUNCEMENT ON MARITIME AFFAIRS

June 2, 2005


  1. On June 2, 2005, H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, and H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, discussed maritime affairs including matters pertaining to the Straits of Malacca. The two leaders were accompanied by some members of their respective Cabinets and other high-ranking officials.

  2. Recognizing the importance of the Straits of Malacca as an important sea lane of communications, the two leaders expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation in a comprehensive approach encompassing safety of navigation, marine environment and maritime security. Such approach to maritime security would cover, among others, security against piracy, armed robbery against ships and smuggling (arms, goods, persons, drugs etc.). The two leaders believed that this cooperation could further promote the development of neighborly and friendly relationship between the two countries and attached particular importance to active cooperation and support by User States to enhancing the capacity of the maritime law enforcement authorities of the littoral states by seriously considering provision of patrol boats and other cooperation. The establishment of an effective information exchange mechanism among relevant authorities would be an important element of this comprehensive approach. As such, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, in accordance with its domestic procedures, would seriously consider to conclude "Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia" (ReCAAP). The two leaders reaffirmed that any cooperation should be carried out in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982.

  3. The two leaders also recognized that ensuring safety and security of maritime navigation in the Straits is a matter of importance for the two countries. Prime Minister Koizumi recognized that the Government of Japan fully respects the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Republic of Indonesia over its territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) within the Straits of Malacca, which is a strait used for international navigation. @Recognizing the responsibility of the Coastal States, Prime Minister Koizumi also welcomed the efforts by the Coastal States of the Straits to reinforce their mutual cooperation in the maritime security in the Straits.


  4. The two leaders recognized the long-term cooperation between the Coastal States and Japan, for safety of navigation and marine environment of the Straits of Malacca. The two leaders confirmed that Indonesia and Japan will further strengthen cooperation through the framework of bilateral consultations as well as dialogues between the Coastal States and User States. President Yudhoyono also expressed his appreciation for Japan's cooperation, particularly by the Japan Coast Guard and JICA, for enhancing the capacity of the maritime law enforcement authorities of Indonesia.


  5. Both countries undertook to work closely in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on Maritime Security. Furthermore, Japan welcomed Indonesia's initiative for the convening of the IMO-sponsored Meeting on the Straits of Malacca to be held in Jakarta, in autumn 2005 as well as the completion of on-going negotiations on Marine Electronic Highway (MEH) between the Coastal States of the Straits of Malacca and the IMO.