Indonesia, U.S to build joint strategic maritime centre 28 Jun 2021, 13:48 GMT+10 JAKARTA, Indonesia: Indonesia and the United States have begun construction of a $3.5 million maritime training centre, in a bid to combat illegal transnational crime, including drug smuggling. The center is located in the strategic area of Batam in the Riau Islands, Indonesia's maritime security agency said. Attending the ceremony virtually on Friday, U.S. ambassador to Indonesia Sung Kim said the maritime centre is one of a number of efforts between Indonesia and the United States to strengthen regional security. "As a friend and partner to Indonesia, the United States remains committed to supporting Indonesia's important role in maintaining regional peace and security by fighting domestic and transnational crimes," Kim said.