Kerry expressed his appreciation during a meeting with Indonesia`s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in between the activities in the 2018 OOC in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Tuesday.
"Now Kerry has become part of the civil society that strives to promote marine protection. We discuss the issue of the ocean and general, as well as the OOC. Kerry appreciated Indonesia`s commitment in addressing the issue of the sea," Marsudi noted.
She further stated that Kerry hoped for Indonesia to show leadership when it comes to marine issues.
In response to that, she explained that Indonesia, under President Joko Widodo`s leadership, have been placing marine issues in national policies and commitments.
"Since the beginning of his leadership, Widodo conveyed Indonesia`s vision as a world maritime axis, which then translates into Indonesia`s national maritime policy that we continue to implement," she added.
"At the same time, we are contributing to the world?s marine affairs, and we will strive to continue to contribute to marine issues," she revealed.
The OOC was held for the first time in Washington D.C., USA, back in 2014.
In 2015, the OOC was carried out in Chile, in Washington DC in 2016, and in Malta in 2017.
The event at Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, carried out from October 29 to 30, is an important event for the Indonesian government, as it was the first Asian country appointed to host the conference.
This shows that Indonesia is deemed capable of fighting for issues of sovereignty and the right of the sea, both through maritime diplomacy and domestic policy.
By hosting the 2018 OOC, Indonesia has demonstrated leadership in the field of maritime affairs and fisheries, especially in dealing with threats to the Indonesian sea.
Reporting by Yuni Arisandy
Editing by Aria Cyndiyara
Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
