"We know that many of our maritime boundaries have yet to be legitimated under the state border agreements. We share borders with 10 countries but only have the agreement with one country, Singapore," Acting Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs Agung Kuswandono explained here on Tuesday.
The ministry cooperated with the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), and the Hydrography and Oceanography Center of the Indonesian Navy to organize a focus group discussion on Maritime Delimitation.
Kuswandono noted that maritime delimitation had played a crucial role in a country's economy, defense, and sovereignty.
"Waters constitute some 76 percent of our territory, so it would be important for us to be concerned about delimitation. Without clear boundaries, it would be difficult for us to guard our territory," he stated.
He pointed out that the forum group discussion is expected to offer recommendation to expedite the completion of negotiations on maritime boundaries.
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Translator: Ade Irma Junida, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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