"With the Indo-Pacific concept, Indonesia can expand its interests in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. I think our fishermen do not only operate in the Jakarta Bay but also in the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean," Djalal said at a Focus Group Discussion on Maritime Borders Delimitation here on Wednesday.
Djalal, who is also a former Indonesian ambassador to the United Nations, stated that the government should think about how Indonesia also would have the right to manage resources in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
He pointed out that Singapore has managed to attain the right to manage resources in the Pacific Ocean.
Djalal added that Indonesia`s maritime vision should include the sea, water, and air.
"The maritime vision should be broad, including how we utilize the Pacific Ocean. We should be able to utilize the seabed of the oceans and also maintain it. Hence, it is not only our seabed that we preserve but also the seabed of the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean," he remarked.
At present, Indonesia`s maritime vision is only focused on its resources and environment, he added.
"This is already quite good, but Indonesia should be able to move forward," he explained.
Earlier, President Joko Widodo presented the Indonesian concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation comprehensively and in greater details during his address to the 13th East Asia Summit Meeting at the Suntec Convention Centre, Singapore, on Nov 15, 2018.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the concept of Indo-Pacific cooperation is a new initiative developed by Indonesia that is expected to be Indonesia`s contribution to global welfare and peace by connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Indian Ocean.
Indo-Pacific cooperation is expanded through closer cooperation between East Asia Summit participants to be expanded later involving other partners among Indian Ocean rim countries.
Indo-Pacific cooperation could be focused on maritime cooperation, including elimination of maritime crimes, cooperation in connectivity to boost economic growth, and cooperation to create sustainable development.
Reporting by Azis Kurmala
Editing by Libertina
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
