Cooperative Arrangements In The Sulu And Sulawesi Sea

The triborder areas littoral to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines consist of two sectors, viz.,, the Sulu and Celebes (Sulawesi) Sea. Through years of neglect, lack of economic opportunities and employment, this area suffers from neglect termed as "ungoverned" area. Often labelled as the backdoor area of the three states, this area harbours nontraditional security issues such as piracy, smuggling and sea robberies. Overfishing, blast fishing, poaching by locals and extra territorial are also rampant.