Criminology Perspective on Marine Criminal Acts in Malacca Strait

Abstract

The article discusses the Indonesian Waters Act (No. 17 of 1985) and its use in the context of criminal acts in the Malacca Strait. According to Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency, more than 9,000 vessels passed through the Malacca Strait during March 2016. This level of traffic is often a magnet for those intending to engage in crimes. The article concludes that, having ratified the UNCLOS Convention in 1982, it is essential to create a specific body with authority over the Indonesian Malacca Strait and to renew the laws on the continental borderline at Malacca Strait with the other littoral States in the interests of crime prevention.