At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, there were widespread fears that maritime crime in Southeast Asia would escalate due to anticipated economic decline. Although piracy and sea robbery (PSR) incidents did increase in 2020, the levels remained significantly lower than during prior economic downturns. By 2021, the frequency of these incidents returned to pre-pandemic levels, influenced by various countermeasures implemented by regional states.
The most significant area for PSR incidents was the Singapore Strait, where attacks rose notably from 2019 onwards. The regional states of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia have intensified counter-PSR measures, contributing to the relative containment of these crimes during the pandemic.
Historically, maritime crime in Southeast Asia has surged during economic recessions, such as the Asian Financial Crisis and the Global Financial Crisis; thus, the concern for a similar spike during the COVID-19 pandemic was justified. However, while there was a 15-20% increase in PSR incidents in 2020, they did not reach previous levels, and occurrences dropped again in 2021.
Several organizations, including the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), track PSR activities. Data from these organizations indicate that while incidents rose in 2020, they declined in the following year, with the Singapore Strait accounting for a significant percentage of incidents. This area has become increasingly dangerous, with attacks often characterized by low violence and petty theft.
Two key factors contributed to the lack of a significant spike in maritime crime during the pandemic. First, the regional governments’ efforts to enforce existing anti-piracy tactics proved effective. Initiatives such as the Malacca Strait Patrols and Trilateral Maritime Patrols have bolstered security in historically problematic areas. Coordination between nations has improved, despite long-standing sensitivities regarding sovereignty.
Despite a successful decline in overall PSR incidents, the Singapore Strait remains a significant concern. The uptick in reported incidents from this area can be attributed to various socio-economic pressures, especially post-pandemic, which may push locals toward petty crime as a means of survival.
Looking ahead, there are concerns for 2022, particularly as the ongoing economic fallout from the Russia-Ukraine war may prompt a resurgence in PSR incidents. Increased cooperation among the littoral states and the allocation of more resources to combat these crimes effectively will be crucial in mitigating future risks. Ultimately, while previous measures have managed to curb PSR substantially, they will need to adapt to evolving threats in the maritime landscape of Southeast Asia.
