Ambon, January 13, 2026 – The Maluku Sea is emerging as a symbol of integration between ecological conservation and national defense. A landmark cooperation agreement was signed at the Naval Area Command IX (Kodaeral IX) headquarters in Ambon between Kodaeral IX and the Garuda di Lautku Initiative Foundation, underscoring a shared commitment to empower coastal communities as key actors in safeguarding ecosystems while strengthening Indonesia’s maritime defense reserves.
Maluku, a province of vast archipelagic wealth, faces mounting environmental challenges along its coasts. The partnership reflects a recognition that coastal communities are not merely beneficiaries but integral to Indonesia’s “total defense” system. By engaging citizens directly, the Navy aims to reinforce defense capacity while simultaneously advancing local prosperity.
The cooperation emphasizes productive community-based enterprises in agriculture, fisheries, trade, and services—designed to bolster the blue economy and foster civic awareness of national defense. Strategic objectives include building networks of expertise, integrating maritime potential into national development, enhancing community capacity, and ensuring sustainable marine conservation.
Grounded in principles of synergy between defense and civil empowerment, participatory engagement, data-driven research, national policy alignment, and global outlook, the agreement also opens pathways for Indonesia’s maritime diplomacy.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership, with Colonel Philipus Sri Suharto representing Kodaeral IX and Hengki Hamino signing on behalf of Garuda di Lautku. Kodaeral IX pledged to collaborate with local government, academia, and community groups in Maluku, while Garuda di Lautku committed to engaging ministries, national-level academic institutions, and environmental organizations across Indonesia. Programs under the agreement span maritime human resource development, ecosystem conservation, infrastructure strengthening, eco-friendly technology research, and cultural diplomacy. With this initiative, Maluku is positioned to serve as a model of maritime integration—where defense, ecology, and community empowerment converge—projecting Indonesia’s vision onto the international stage.