Indonesia's war is for humanity: Jokowi

JAKARTA. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has stressed that the most serious fight is the war for humanity, calling on all parties to not overlook military operations other than war issues.

Humanitarian aid operations, particularly in regard to natural disasters in the sea require alertness, speed and reliable resources. Therefore, the President called on the Indonesian Navy to strengthen cooperation in the sea with other countries during his opening remarks at the International Fleet Review 2016 in Padang, West Sumatra, on Tuesday.

"As citizens of the world, we are united by the sea. Your job is to fight the war to ensure that humanity wins and health services are improved," Jokowi said in a statement.

IFR is among multilateral training exercise activities at Komodo Exercise 2016, held on April 12 to 16. Komodo Exercise 2016, participated by 47 ships, 20 from 16 nations stretched across the Pacific to Indian oceans, 11 Indonesian Navy ships and 11 vessels from other institutions.

The multitaleral training exercises with a non-war fighting concept offer a more robust maritime culture, Jokowi said. The exercises will not only strengthen naval cooperation but also make a significant contribution to health and improvements in public facilities.

The exercise could also foster mutual understanding on the protection of marine resources, regional cooperation as well as human resources development in the maritime sector, he added.

The Komodo Exercise was first held in Batam and Anambas, Riau Islands province, in 2014.

Jokowi also aims for the training to support his goal for Indonesia to become the world's maritime axis.

Believing that Indonesia's future is in the sea, the President called for all parties to be involved in rebuilding Indonesia's maritime culture, maintaining and managing marine resources, providing priority to the development of maritime infrastructures, strengthening maritime diplomacy and developing maritime defense.

"Let us all go to the sea. In the sea lies hope and success. Many waves, many lives," he said in his speech.