17th Co-operation Forum Advances Cooperation on Safety and Environmental Protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore

 

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore convened the 17^th Co-operation Forum in Singapore today, bringing together User States, industry and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on navigational safety and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS). The Co-operation Forum is part of the Co-operative Mechanism established by the three Littoral States in 2007 to provide a framework for such cooperation.

 

2.          Opened by Mr Jeffrey Siow, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and chaired by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, the Co-operation Forum will discuss ways to strengthen navigational safety and environmental protection in the SOMS, drawing on proposals from User States and industry stakeholders. Participants will also explore how new technologies and alternative fuels can be safely introduced in the SOMS, and review ongoing technical projects to enhance navigational safety.

 

3.          More than 300 delegates from over 125 countries and organisations are expected to attend the two-day event from 25 to 26 August 2026.

 

4.       In his opening remarks, Mr Siow said that recent events had reminded the world that open sea lanes cannot be taken for granted, and that safe and open waterways are global commons that must be upheld through international law and mutual collaboration. Through the Cooperative Mechanism, the Littoral States and their partners have turned shared interests into collective action, underpinned by an enduring trust between neighbours and partners.

 

5.          In a video message, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), described the Co-operative Mechanism as a proven model for States bordering vital waterways to build trust among themselves and with User States, while facilitating cooperation among stakeholders with a shared interest in their safe and sustainable use. He reaffirmed IMO’s support for the Co-operative Mechanism and encouraged User States and industry stakeholders to continue supporting it. Mr Arsenio’s Keynote Address can be found in Annex A.

 

6.       Dr Hassan Wirajuda, former Indonesian Foreign Minister (2001–2009) and current Rector of Universitas Prasetiya Mulya, delivered the keynote address. Dr Hassan had played a key role in the discussions that led to the establishment of the Co-operative Mechanism in 2007. He stressed the importance of sustaining collaboration among the three Littoral States and with the international maritime community to keep the SOMS safe and resilient amid evolving maritime and geopolitical challenges. Drawing on ASEAN’s experience, he also highlighted the importance of respect for international law and a culture of dialogue in managing differences and maintaining regional peace and stability.

 

7.       The 17^th Co-operation Forum also heard statements from User States, international organisations and industry stakeholders expressing their continued support for the Co-operative Mechanism and commitment to working together with the Littoral States[1]. They underscored the importance of keeping the SOMS safe and open, and of respecting navigational rights and freedoms, including the right of transit passage. Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will also issue a joint press release reaffirming their commitment to keeping the SOMS open and safe for international shipping, and to continued cooperation on navigational safety and environmental protection.

 

8.       Held annually on a rotational basis by Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, the Co-operation Forum is one of three pillars of the Co-operative Mechanism on Safety of Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. The other two pillars are the Project Co-ordination Committee and the Aids to Navigation Fund. Further details can be found in Annex B.

 

9.       Since 2007, 15 Straits Projects have been initiated through the Project Co-ordination Committee. The international maritime community has also contributed around US$26 million cumulatively to the Aids to Navigation Fund to support the provision and maintenance of critical aids to navigation in the SOMS.

 

10.      Indonesia and Malaysia were represented by Bapak Hernadi Tri Cahyanto, Director of Navigation, Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation of Indonesia, and Datuk Haji Dickson bin Dollah, Director General of Marine, Malaysia Marine Department, respectively.