NATUNA. During a limited Cabinet meeting that was held on board the Imam Bonjol warship in the Natuna waters on Thursday, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo asked the Indonesian Military and the Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) to upgrade their capabilities to safeguard Indonesian territorial waters.
“I ask the military and Bakamla to upgrade their capabilities to safeguard our territorial waters in terms of technology, equipment, radar and preparedness,” Jokowi said in a statement distributed to the media.
The statement came on a rare occasion when President Jokowi visited the Natuna Islands to hold a limited Cabinet meeting on board the same navy warship that clashed with Chinese fishing vessels last week, apparently trying to send a clear message that Jakarta will not accept any claim by Beijing over the area.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stressed the fact that two-thirds of Indonesian territory consist of water and therefore President Jokowi gives serious attention to the country’s maritime sovereignty.
"Since the President took office, he always emphasizes two things: first, the development of the outer areas should become a priority; second, the country’s sovereignty should be maintained and upheld,” Retno said.
"On this occasion, the President comes to the Natuna Islands as they are among the country’s outer islands,” she added.
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