Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inauguration of Navy Chief of Staff, State Palace, Jakarta, December 28, 2022

Reporter

Do you have any directives to the Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL)?

What are the tasks that must be done by the new Navy Chief after being inaugurated? Do you have any messages?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We are aware that two-third of Indonesia’s territory is water, seas.

Thus, the center for state sovereignty which lies in seas becomes a huge responsibility for the new KSAL, Bapak Muhammad Ali. Particularly, issues regarding the frontier islands and border areas must become the main attention. That’s it.

Reporter

What are your reasons and considerations to appoint Muhammad Ali as the new KSAL?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I always take track records into consideration. He served as the Naval Academy Governor, Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, Commander of the Defense Territorial Joint Command. Thus, I always take track records into consideration, and I see great leadership in him.

Reporter

Regarding South China Sea, do you have any special orders for the new KSAL?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Pardon?

Reporter

The issue of South China Sea, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

As I told you earlier, it’s the border. Issues related to borders, the sea borders. Not land borders but sea borders.

Reporter

But our primary weapons system (alutsista) is not really comprehensive…

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We also need to strengthen efforts to modernize our maritime alutsista. Alright.

Reporter

Do you have something to say about mitigation of today’s extreme weather, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Follow all information from the BMKG [Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency].

Thank you. Pak Ali, it’s your turn.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

Just a minute, okay.

Reporter

Pak Yudo may also give statement.

Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (Yudo Margono)

But I am no longer the Navy Chief.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

Only three [questions], okay.

Reporter

Regarding the issue of South China Sea, what are the strategies based on the President’s instruction?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

The President said that exercising sovereignty and law in seas must be strengthened, particularly in border areas, not only in South China Sea, but in all maritime borders. It covers the exercise of sovereignty and law. It is indiscriminately. Now, it is in a better condition and is safer than that several years ago

Reporter

How about our alutsista?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

The President instructed the strengthening of the development of alutsista, especially in the development of Indonesian naval ship. Thus, to date around 70 percent of naval ships used by the Indonesian Navy is domestically manufactured.

Reporter

Will there be an increase in the budget, sir, for the upcoming years…?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

I hope so.

Reporter

What are potential vulnerabilities at sea, Sir?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

The potential vulnerabilities at sea are just like usual. Around this month, the issue is weather, unfavorable weather in December. However, other vulnerability is smuggling. The President also underscored the importance to prevent or stop smuggling and other illegal activities at sea.

Reporter

Sir, is there any special message from Pak Yudo for you, to carry on..?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

I will carry on what he has done. I am sure has made many advancements and development in the Navy and I will carry it on. I will continue implementing his policies. There will be some development though. We will also settle unfinished programs and complete them.

Reporter

Sir, regarding MEF, Minimum Essential Force, since 2024 is still ahead, what’s your plan to achieve it?

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff (Muhammad Ali)

The MEF is also related with Ministry of Defense, so the programs will refer to that of the Ministry of Defense’s. Nevertheless, we’ll try to realize the MEF plan. That’s all. Thank you.

Reporter

Congratulation, Sir.

(RAS/EP)