President Jokowi Opens 2016 International Fleet Review

President Jokowi, accompanied by the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff and Governor of West Sumatera, pushes a siren to mark the opening of the 2015 International Fleet Review (IFR) in Padang, West Sumatera, Tuesday (12/4)

Presiden Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that he understands that one of the most difficult wars is the war for humanity. Therefore, according to the President, millitary operation besides war cannot be taken for granted.

“Humanitarian assitance operation, especially to handle disasters in seas and to conduct Search and Rescue Operation requires responsiveness, speed and good human resources,” the President said in his remarks at the opening of the 2016 International Fleet Review, which is part of the 2016Komodo Multilateral Training, held at Lantamal II Koarmabar, Teluk Bayur, Padang, West Sumatera, Tuesday (12/4).

According to President Jokowi, operations of humanitarian assistance will be optimal if they are done in collaboration. However, it requires cooperation with friendly countries, particularly navy of countries situated in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

President Jokowi also fully supports the 2016 Komodo Multilateral Training.

“This training is expected to further strengthen  our maritime cultures, to boost cooperation among navy of countries in the Pacific Ocean and in the Indian Ocean to provide health services and to repair or build public facilities, ” the President said.

The President also hopes that this traning can raise awareness, especially about protection of maritime resources, regional cooperation and improvement human resources in the maritime sector.

On that occasion, President Jokowi said that Indonesia has long turned her back on the seas, bays and oceans. In fact, the President added, the country’s future is there and the global maritime fulcrumis there too.

Therefore, the President called on all sides to work hard to rejuvenate our maritime cultures, to preserve maritime resources, to maintain maritime connectivity and infrastructures, to strengthen maritime diplomacy, and to build maritime defense.

“So let’s give our attention to the seas. There, we have hopes. We have glory. More wives, more lives,” President Jokowi said.

“I wish you all the best in conducting  the 2016KomodoMultilateral Meeting. May Allah Subhanahu wa ta’aala always endow His blessings to all of us,” President Jokowi said, concluding his remarks.

Previously, the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Ade Supandi said that the 2016 International Fleet Review is a distinctive agenda of navy of several countries and it shows cooperation in various undertakings.

Also attending the opening ceremony were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Maritime AffairsandFisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) General Gatot Nurmantyo, and the Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm (KSAL) Ade Supandi. (GUN/ES) (Naster/YM/EP)