The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore (KBRI Singapore) organised a seminar in Bintan to strengthen regional dialogue on maintaining maritime stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia
On 31 October 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore (KBRI Singapore) held an integrated seminar titled “Maintaining Regional Maritime Stability: Challenges and Opportunities” at Holiday Inn Resort, Lagoi, Bintan, in the Riau Islands. The event brought together government officials, academics, and maritime experts from across the region to exchange insights on safeguarding maritime security and promoting sustainable cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Singapore delivered the keynote speech, emphasising the importance of maintaining maritime stability as a foundation for peace and economic growth in the region. Also addressing the audience were Mr. Luki Zaiman, Assistant to the Department of Economy and Development to the Governor of the Riau Islands, and Brigadier General (TNI) Riksani Gumay, Kapoksahli, who underlined the strategic role of regional collaboration in maritime security.
Session 1 featured discussions on the factors influencing maritime stability in Southeast Asia, with insights from Dr. Shafiah Muhibat of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Dr. Su Wai Mon from the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore (CIL-NUS), and Dr. Trung Thanh Nguyen from CSIS. Their talks explored the geopolitical and economic dynamics shaping maritime relations in the region.
In Session 2, the focus turned to collaborative efforts in maritime security and conflict management, led by Laksma Arif Badrudin, Chief of Staff of Koarmada I, SLTC Oh Zongbo, Commander of the Sea Security Group, Republic of Singapore Navy, Tutut Basuki, Head of Action and Operations, Regional Directorate of Customs and Excise, Riau Islands, and Irwan Iding, Diplomat and Media Expert from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.
Session 3 highlighted the intersection between maritime development and tourism, with presentations from Mr. Hasan S. Sos, Tourism Officer of the Riau Islands, and Dr. Sayed Fauzan Riyadi, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Raja Ali Haji Maritime University. Both speakers underscored the need for greater community engagement and sustainable tourism initiatives to support regional development.
On 1 November 2025, participants and speakers had the opportunity to visit several cultural and historical landmarks in Tanjung Pinang, including Sting Island, known for its rich Malay heritage, the Dekranasda Souvenir Centre, and the 500 Lohan Temple, providing a glimpse into the local culture and history of the Riau Islands.
Source: Indonesia Embassy in Singapore
