In the interest of strengthening maritime security ties between the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and Indonesia, DKI APCSS professors Kerry Lynn Nankivell and Bill Wieninger traveled to that country in December for workshop support and to meet with alumni and U.S. embassy staff.

Attending the Dec. 3 to 4 “Workshop on Strategic Issues in the Indian Ocean” in Bali, the two joined 56 Indonesian participants for discussions on issues associated with Indonesia’s chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.  These included developing protocols to combat illegal fishing, developing an IO treaty of cooperation modeled after ASEAN, increasing regional maritime domain awareness and cooperation, and strengthening Indonesian inter-agency coordination for maritime security

Nankivell led two plenary sessions, presenting briefs titled “Strategic Developments in the Indian Ocean,” and “Non-traditional Issues in the Indian Ocean.”  Both she and Wieninger each led breakout groups challenged to shape recommended priorities for Indonesia’s IORA chairmanship.

The event, conducted by Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs was designed to assist implementation of Indonesia’s “Global Maritime Fulcrum” vision. This effort seeks to strengthen the nation’s maritime infrastructure to support economic and political development.

“The workshop laid the foundation for follow-on opportunities for DKI APCSS to support Indonesia’s objectives in this area,” said Nankivell, one DKI APCSS’ foremost maritime security specialists.  “Ultimately, it should contribute to a stronger bi-lateral relationship with the United States and strengthen security in a maritime region vital to global trade.”

Beyond the workshop, Nankivell and Wieninger met with Indonesia alumni to discuss expanded engagement opportunities with DKI APCSS.  Indonesia continues to be a valuable contributing partner to DKI APCSS programs, both in Honolulu and in Indonesia. The next alumni event was planned for early 2016.