The Department of International Law held a conference in the form of an international law study with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The event was attended in-person by 65 members of the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, in Room III.1.1.
The event was also attended online by 60 participants from various ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves), the Hydrological Center (Pushidrosal), the Indonesian Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP), the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative (ASKALSI), and the Indonesian Ocean Justice Initiative (IOJI).
The Consignment Meeting, themed "Regulation of Submarine Cables in Indonesian Jurisdiction Based on Provisions of International Law," aims to enhance understanding of international law related to maritime issues, particularly regarding the regulation of submarine cables. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 14, "Maintaining Marine Ecosystems," and point 16, "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions."
The opening remarks were delivered by Rear Admiral Bakamla Priyambodo, S.H., who expressed his hope that this consignment meeting would serve as a valuable resource for enriching research supporting maritime security in Indonesia.
The next session was attended by Professor Dr. Marsudi Triadmojo, S.H., L.LM., a professor from the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), who presented the results of his study on the regulation of submarine cables in Indonesian jurisdiction based on provisions of international law. Against the backdrop of the vital role of submarine cables in various aspects and Indonesia's strategic position for cable deployment, the study outlined three main topics: identifying challenges and threats in the installation and protection of submarine cables, particularly in the EEZ and Continental Shelf; institutional arrangements for monitoring and law enforcement of submarine cables; and a collaborative framework to optimize supervision, security, and law enforcement of submarine cables. The presentation continued with several recommendations, including strengthening the mandate for the formation and expansion of the National Team's functions as stipulated in the Presidential Regulation, and involving Bakamla (the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency) as part of the National Team for the Management of Pipelines and/or Submarine Cables (Timnas). It was also recommended that extensive outreach and information dissemination regarding submarine cables be conducted among relevant parties, such as business actors, maritime community associations, and the media.
The session continued with a presentation on "The Role of the National Team for Submarine Cables and the 20 Steps in the Business Process for Submarine Cable Operations" by Navy Colonel (P) Sinung Budi P. from the Indonesian Navy's Hydro-Oceanography Center (Pushidrosal). In the final session, Roger Pardede from the Association of Indonesian Submarine Cable Communication System Providers (ASKALSI) presented his material on submarine cable operational practices from an industry perspective.
The international law review consignment session concluded with a question-and-answer session, which included recommendations and expectations from participants regarding the supervision, security, and law enforcement of submarine cables. The closing remarks were delivered by the Legal Director of Bakamla RI.
Writer: Kharisma Putri Maharani Hasibuan
Editor: Public Relations
