Indonesia`s Maritime Security, Key to Asia-Pacific Stability

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Retired Admiral Dr. Marsetio said with that with Indonesia`s geographical position, the country could give a big contribution of maritime security in the Asia Pacific region.

Indonesia's maritime security is a key to regional maritime stability, the former navy chief said in his presentation 'Regaining Indonesian Maritime Glory through World Maritime, Axis' in front of Indonesian community at the Indonesian embassy here.

Marsetio was in London to meet the secretary general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary general Koji Sekimizu to discuss Indonesian candidacy for IMO Council member.

Marsetio was on a working visit to London from Sept 20 to 25 as the country's special envoy to see the possibility of Indonesia regaining its seat at the IMO Council, Indonesian embassy spokesman Yudho Priambudi Asruchin said here on Thursday.

The admiral said Indonesia has to anticipate any possible threat from illegal foreign exploitation of the country natural wealth.

Therefore, Indonesia needs to have a strong navy to protect the sea wealth in its territory in line with the international regulations already ratified by the country, he said.

He said Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLOS) 1982 with water territory of 5.8 million square kilometers or two third of the entire territorial areas of the country.

With such vast sea territory the country must have potential natural resources yet untapped in the sea, he said.

He said the government of President Joko Widodo is committed to regaining the country's past maritime glory by giving priority to maritime development with his sea toll concept.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Communications Attache in London Simson Sinaga said Marsetio also attended a symposium and diplomatic reception commemorating the World Maritime Day.

ANTARA