TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo during the East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, underscored that the Indian and Pacific Ocean must be a secure and peaceful passage for the world.
“Indonesia has an interest to decide the future of the Pacific region and Indian Ocean. Both must stay secure. They must not be turned into a place to fight over natural resources, territory and maritime supremacy,” said Jokowi at Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday.
In order to realize peace in the Pacific region and Indian Ocean, East Asia Summit countries must optimize their maritime potentials. “Indonesia proposes the strengthening of maritime cooperation in East Asian Summit,” said Jokowi.
Jokowi also encouraged ASEAN partner countries in East Asian Summit to support and be actively involved in the realization of the ASEAN Masterplan on Connectivity, especially on connectivity and maritime infrastructure.
Jokowi said maritime ties among East Asian Summit countries must be deepened to safeguard maritime security. Regarding the South China Sea dispute, Jokowi said Indonesia welcomed the commitment to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
“I also support the implementation of the DOC as soon as possible,” he said.
ANANDA TERESIA
