"I am certain that every nation in this world is harboring the same dream. Hence, the diplomatic ability must be a universal knowledge, and basic competence should be consistently improved," Wiranto added.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Defense diplomacy, as a tool, can help address security threats and realize world peace, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto remarked at the Indonesia International Defense Science Seminar 2018 opening session, Jakarta, Wednesday.

Bringing together 24 national and international defense practitioners and scholars for academic discussions held by Indonesia`s Defense University, this year`s seminar focuses on the theme of strengthening defense diplomacy to address common security challenges which, according to Wiranto, are becoming increasingly complex amid limited efforts and abilities to tackle them.

He noted that today`s world is marked by highly uncertain strategic conditions, with high complexity of threats.

Terrorist attacks in several places in Jakarta and Surabaya in May is a reminder of the fact that Indonesia is still unable to end terrorism, and so are several other countries, as terrorist groups have an international dimension.

In addition to terrorism, precautionary measures should be taken against other types of non-military threats, such as organized transnational crimes, natural disasters, and cyber threats.

The threats are not only based on the nature of transnationalism but also connectivity. For instance, the Rohingya crisis, which if not addressed properly, can lead to other critical conditions of human trafficking, human smuggling, and also terrorism.

On the other hand, tensions in the Korean Peninsula are still viewed as being unpredictable despite the possibility of a unification. Hence, the issue needs to be carefully addressed to prevent it from worsening regional stability.

"To face these uncertainties arising from the strategic environment and complexity of threats, it is important to address every issue through unity and togetherness. We have been ensured that no country will be able to carry out the solution individually," Wiranto stated.

Concrete cooperation can be implemented through information sharing, knowledge, transfer of technology and best practices, joint exercises, as well as joint operation to deal with threats.

"The cooperation framework that has been built since long needs to be continually developed to institutionalize its every form and substance. Another form of urgent sub-regional cooperation, such as Our Eyes, Indomaphil, and Trilateral Joint Patrols, should also be continuously improved and supported," Wiranto pointed out.

Utilizing defense resources through a diplomatic approach and method for peaceful purposes is also principal to making positive attempts for peace amid interests of major powers in geopolitical contexts that can disturb international stability.

Implementing defense diplomacy is part of Indonesia`s main objective, as stated in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution "to contribute to the establishment of a world order based on freedom."

"I am certain that every nation in this world is harboring the same dream. Hence, the diplomatic ability must be a universal knowledge, and basic competence should be consistently improved," Wiranto added.
(T.Y013/B/KR-BSR/F001) 11-07-2018 14:39:49

Reporter: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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