President Joko Widodo Speaks on ASEANs Security, Maritime Cooperation, and Terrorism
President Jokowi joins the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits retreat, at NCC, Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday (7/9) morning (Picture: Secretariat of the President/Laily)
President Joko Widodo attended a retreat or a closed meeting with other ASEAN leaders at the second day of the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits at National Convention Center (NCC), Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday (7/9) morning.
On that occasion, the President explained about the challenges in ASEAN region. The President also said that we must take care of our home. Dont let our home get difficulties due to other countries actions, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said in a press conference at NCC, Laos, on Wednesday (7/9) afternoon.
The President admitted, in a region, there have been dialog mechanism as well as regional architecture. For regional mechanism, the President stated that there are ASEAN Plus Three, East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Meanwhile, in the context of regional architecture, there are Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), as well as EAS Bali Principal 2011.
The question is why this mechanism, this regional architecure cannot fully guarantee regional stability and security. Still, there is a potential for conflict to arise, the President said as quoted by Minister Retno Marsudi.
Therefore, according to the Minister, President Joko Widodo suggested to think of creating a stronger regional security architecture.
Indonesia, the Minister added, is trying to find what can be done in the new regional security architecture. It doesnt mean we must start from the beginning because we already have the basics of regional architecture, she said.
Maritime Cooperation
President Joko Widodo also reminded about the importance of maritime cooperation. The President said that in last years EAS, there was one new priority of maritime cooperation that has been adopted in EAS Statement. He invited all countries to implement maritime cooperation in this EAS context.
In maritime context, the President also reminded about a number of challenges that must be encountered, such as illegal fishing, territorial disputes, abduction, and armed robbery. These challenges could be handled by establishing a close collaboration.
In this maritime security context, the President also mentioned about the security in Sulu waters and its surrounding areas. Dont let the current situation becomes the new normal, the Minister said.
Another point delivered by President Joko Widodo in the retreat was about the joint effort against extrimism and terrorism. The President said that the Government has gotten information about the intention of ISIS to move or increase its activities in Southeast Asia, the Minister said while mentioning this information should be rapidly responded and followed up. (EN/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)
