Joint Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia and Minister of Defense, Southwest Maluku Regency, Maluku Province, September 15, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This afternoon, I am in Southwest Maluku regency, which is one of outermost regencies in the eastern part. After learning the location of Southeast Maluku, Southwest Maluku, Aru Islands regency, the cities of Tual and Saumlaki, we notice the importance of state defense and security design at certain points. This is important because we must know the potentials of this location.

Today, Minister of Defense, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and Minister of Public Works and Public Housing oversaw the points that I mentioned earlier, once again, for the sake of the state defense and security.

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)

So, it is based on President Joko Widodo’s order 2.5 years ago to draw up a big design of state defense, including measures to secure Indonesia’s archipelagic sea lanes, which serve as the routes for 60 percent of world seaborne trade. This region has abundant marine natural resources, not only fishes, but also deep-sea minerals, gas, and oil.

Projections and research show that the future of Indonesia’s richness mostly lies in the eastern part of Indonesia. Therefore, outermost islands in this region must be designed as a part of our defense. It will be drawn up in detailed by involving related institutions.

That’s it from me, Mr. President.

(RAS/EP)