In 2022, the Singapore Strait experienced a significant spike in piracy incidents, with attacks rising to 38 compared to just 12 in 2019. This surge is closely linked to the socio-economic turmoil caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, as examined by Jade Lindley and Dhiyaul Aulia Huda in their article published in The Interpreter. The pandemic’s global health crisis led to national restrictions that severely impacted coastal and fishing communities in Southeast Asia, thus fostering conditions favorable for piracy.
The authors explore how heightened economic distress during the pandemic made individuals in these communities—such as shipyard workers, seafarers, and fishers—more susceptible to engaging in piracy. Lockdowns and restrictions significantly harmed the maritime and fishing sectors, leading to financial vulnerability. For instance, seafood exports plummeted by 70%, pushing approximately 2.7 million Indonesian fishers below the national poverty line. The resulting unemployment and financial hardship, akin to previous economic crises, made piracy an attractive option for many struggling individuals.
Three primary factors explain why the Singapore Strait became a piracy hotspot during this period, as highlighted by the authors. Firstly, the pandemic weakened institutional capacity for maritime security. Resources were diverted from maintaining surveillance and security in maritime areas to address healthcare and social security needs. This diversion resulted in reduced funding for agencies responsible for monitoring and securing the region against piracy.
Secondly, the Singapore Strait’s decentralized maritime security framework complicated efforts to combat piracy. Comprising the territorial waters of Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, maritime security in the Strait relies heavily on cooperative mechanisms. This reliance often leads to concerns over sovereignty and ambiguities regarding laws governing enforcement actions, such as the “right of hot pursuit.” These regulatory gaps significantly hinder transnational approaches to piracy prevention.
Lastly, broader geopolitical dynamics exacerbated the situation. The Indonesian navy’s focus on advancing its claims in the South China Sea resulted in a reduced naval presence in the Singapore Strait. As patrols decreased from late 2019 onwards, the diminished surveillance created more opportunities for pirate activities.
The authors conclude their discussion by emphasizing the lessons learned from this heightened piracy activity. They advocate for enhancing support systems for fishermen and maintaining effective maritime governance to prevent future piracy surges. The intersection of socio-economic vulnerability and weakened security measures suggests a need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of piracy and strengthen guardianship in affected regions.
