KPLP has the task of formulating and execute policies, standards, norms, guidelines, criteria and procedures, as well as technical guidance, evaluation and reporting on patrol and security, safety monitoring and Civil Service Investigator (PPNS), order of shipping, water, facilities and infrastructure of coastal and marine guarding.

In 1947, at the midst of the Indonesian National Revolution, the two agency was merged becoming the Sea and Coast Guard Service (Zee en Kustbewaking Dienst).

During the turbulence period in the 1950s as well as the rising of secessionist groups around the country, the government decided to transfer the MCGS into the Indonesian Navy on 31 January 1950 as a paramilitary branch.

[3] In 1962, the agency was renamed to Operasi Polisionil di Laut (OPDIL) and was placed under the Directorate of Sea Operations of the Ministry of Transportation.

Minister of Transport No.M.14 / 3/14 Phb dated 20 June 1966, the agency changed its name to the Bureau of Shipping Safety (BKP) with the task of organizing the Special Police in the Sea and SAR.

Kab.4 / 3/14 dated 13 December 1966 BKP was incorporated into the Operations Unit Command (KASOTOP) which later became the Directorate of Shipping while maintaining Police duties at sea.

Minister of Transportation M.b./14/7 Phb dated 24 August 1968, the Special Duties of the SAR was incorporated into the Directorate of Navigation, and by the Minister of Transportation was renamed back to the Marine and Coast Guard with the task of organizing the Maritime Security and Port Special Security units within national territories.

[3] Based on SK Dirjen Hubla No.Kab.4 / 3/4 dated 11 April 1970 DPLP became the Sea and Coastal Operation Command (KOPLP).

[3] KPLP has the task of formulating and execute policies, standards, norms, guidelines, criteria and procedures, as well as technical guidance, evaluation and reporting on patrol and security, safety monitoring and Civil Service Investigator (PPNS), order of shipping, water, facilities and infrastructure of coastal and marine guarding.

[12] Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan is targeting for the next five years the Marine and Coastal Guard Organization (KPLP) has 500 patrol boats of various sizes.

A total of 400 units of ship KPLP class patrol IV and V will also be replaced from the previous fiber made into rigid inflatable boat.

This development has led to concerns about legal clarity and the effectiveness of Indonesia’s maritime law enforcement both domestically and in international collaborations.