<![CDATA[Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelagic state, faces complex maritime security threats such as border violations, illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and unilateral claims within its Exclusive Economic Zone. These challenges demand a more effective maritime surveillance system. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) yet their implementation continues to face technical and institutional barriers. Key obstacles include limited interagency interoperability, the absence of standardized operational procedures, and insufficient readiness of UAV operators. Consequently, a gap persists between available technological capabilities and actual institutional utilization. This study analyzes the synergistic use of Indonesian Air Force UAVs with Bakamla and the Indonesian Navy through a descriptive qualitative approach, employing case studies, interviews, field observations, and document analysis from Koopsudnas, Koarmada RI, Bakamla, and Air Squadrons 51 and 52. Findings indicate that UAVs can enhance maritime surveillance through C4ISR systems, but implementation remains hampered by regulatory issues, inadequate assets, and human resource limitations. Existing interagency cooperation remains ad-hoc, lacking sustained operational coordination. The study recommends strengthening interoperability, establishing joint operational standards, improving operator capacity, and integrating interagency information systems. The Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces Headquarters, and Bakamla are encouraged to adopt policies integrating UAVs into national C4ISR-based maritime operations to ensure modern, sustainable maritime security.]]>
