The Maritime Safety and Security Programme, conducted from 14 to 21 August 2017 in Semarang, Indonesia, was a targeted capacity-building initiative organized by the Government of Indonesia. Designed for law enforcement officers, the programme aimed to enhance practical skills and knowledge in combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and its associated crimes in the fisheries sector.

The programme brought together maritime law enforcement officials from various IORA Member States for intensive training. Key activities included workshops on legal frameworks for fisheries enforcement, techniques for vessel inspection and investigation, and strategies to tackle the transnational criminal networks often linked to IUU fishing. A significant focus was placed on fostering direct experience-sharing among officers from different national agencies to build professional networks and understand diverse operational challenges.

The main outcome was a detailed Programme Report capturing the training curriculum and participant insights. This event directly strengthened the frontline capacity of regional officers to enforce fisheries laws effectively. By promoting networking and shared best practices, the programme advanced IORA's MSS goals of institutional cooperation and harmonized enforcement, contributing to the sustainable management of the Indian Ocean's vital fish stocks and the economic security of coastal communities.