Indo-Pacific Journal of Soft-Power, Vol. 2 No. 1 2026 - P-ISSN: XXXX-XXXX E-ISSN: XXXX-XXXX
The Role of The Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) in Safeguarding Sovereignty Against Security Threats in The Maritime Region
Indo-Pacific Journal of Soft-Power, Vol. 2 No. 1 2026 - P-ISSN: XXXX-XXXX E-ISSN: XXXX-XXXX
The Role of The Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) in Safeguarding Sovereignty Against Security Threats in The Maritime Region
Muhammad Haris Zulkarnain
Head of the Political Science Laboratory, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Jakarta
DOI:
ABSTRACT
The Indonesian Coast Guard (Bakamla) plays a vital role in safeguarding sovereignty against security threats in the maritime domain. Bakamla functions as a “Single Agency with Multiple Tasks” an institution that integrates and exercises command over all other law enforcement agencies without undermining their existing authorities. The transformation of Bakorkamla into Bakamla is part of an effort to restructure the institutional framework. The enactment of maritime legislation has expanded Bakamla’s authority in safeguarding the maritime domain against various threats. This paper aims to examine Bakamla’s role in safeguarding sovereignty against security threats in the maritime domain. Research findings indicate that Bakamla’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty against security threats in the maritime domain have been carried out in accordance with its duties and functions through routine patrols and the pursuit of violations committed in Indonesia’s maritime territory. Bakamla also collaborates with various institutions and neighboring countries to enhance security and safety in Indonesia’s jurisdictional waters. Nevertheless, Bakamla still faces challenges in carrying out its duties, including budget constraints, limited fleet capacity, and operational limitations that require serious attention from the government
Keywords: Bakamla, Sovereignty, Security Threats, Maritime.