Indonesia Needs Submarine Detection System Alongside Submarines

While Indonesia is proceeding with submarine acquisition as part of its defense enhancement, experts point out the urgent need to build an effective underwater detection system alongside these efforts. This is crucial for ensuring maritime security across its vast territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). As the world's largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia's seas are not only rich in natural resources but also serve as vital sea lanes. Amidst rising geopolitical tensions in the Southeast Asian region in recent years, there is a growing demand to improve the capacity to monitor and deter submarine activities by other nations, illegal fishing, and smuggling. Submarines play a significant role in offensive capabilities and deterrence, but to effectively monitor their activities and detect potential threats early, an integrated underwater surveillance network combining acoustic sensors, sonar, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) is indispensable. Such a system would provide intelligence for early detection of approaching hostile submarines and enable timely responses. To maximize the capabilities of Indonesia's submarine fleet and establish maritime superiority, enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support these vessels is essential, not just acquiring the submarines themselves. The development of an underwater detection system represents a long-term investment for protecting national sovereignty and sustainably utilizing marine resources.