While delivering the keynote speech at the "Geopolitical & Geostrategic Symposium and Its Impact on Indonesia" here on Thursday, he pointed to a possibility of interference by a foreign intelligence agency in the conflict in Rempang, Riau Islands.
"We have reports from various sources that a foreign intelligence (agency) started to penetrate Rempang, which we have seen a lot in Aceh, Ambon, East Timor, and Papua. It is constant how foreign interference is greatly affecting our condition," he said.
In front of thousands of TNI high officials and unit commanders, he informed that a powerful country contributed to the geostrategic study.
"This study also came from a large country which we have good relations with. Maybe you can draw your own conclusions about which country it is, but I will not officially announce it," the minister added.
Before speaking further, he asked journalists to leave the symposium, saying his conversation with military officials from that point onward was sensitive and closed.
Thereafter, Subianto did not answer journalists' questions about the "foreign intelligence operation." After giving a brief description of the symposium, he immediately left for his office.
During the event, he urged TNI leaders to monitor the latest geopolitical situation, especially amid the war in Ukraine and Gaza.
"The geopolitical dynamics are developing so fast and they tremendously influence the whole world. For example, the war in Ukraine has caused global fuel prices to rise significantly," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza may indirectly or directly impact the domestic situation since the majority of Indonesians are Muslims, he said.
"Events concerning the Islamic world must have had a psychological effect on our people," he added.
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Translator: Genta M, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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