Bitung, N. Sulawesi. Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan are taking part in Regional Marine Pollution Exercise (MARPOLEX) 2026 in Bitung, North Sulawesi, from Oct. 8 to 12, to strengthen regional preparedness for marine pollution incidents.

OSCT Indonesia (Oil Spill Combat Team) is supporting the exercise alongside Indonesia’s Directorate General of Sea Transportation and state-owned port operator Pelindo. The Philippine Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard are also participating.

OSCT Indonesia said it has more than 200 trained personnel and over 40,000 meters of oil containment boom available for spill response operations. The equipment is designed to contain floating oil and limit its spread into surrounding waters and coastal areas.

The annual exercise provides an opportunity for participating agencies and response teams to practise coordination and emergency procedures for oil spills, which can threaten marine habitats, fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

“Safety is the top priority in every operation we run,” said Major General (Ret.) Kukuh Surya Sigit Sentosa, president director of OSCT Indonesia. He said the company supports the exercise being conducted safely and without accidents.

OSCT Indonesia said it has participated in every MARPOLEX exercise. The company maintains response bases across Indonesia and operates around the clock to support oil spill response efforts.

North Sulawesi’s coastal waters support marine biodiversity and fishing communities, making effective preparation for pollution incidents an important part of regional maritime safety.

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