According to Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Legal Agency (Babinkum) Head Rear Admiral Kreno Buntoro, those approaches will complement the legal and operational strategies for the North Natuna Sea.
He explained that the legal approach in the North Natuna Sea should be sought through peaceful measures, including establishing regional forums or organizing joint surveys, patrols, or exercises.
"After legal and operational approaches, the third is economic, social, and cultural approaches, which I believe should be prioritized," Buntoro stated at a seminar on the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) history on Monday.
He suggested optimizing expert, student, and officer exchanges with countries sharing maritime borders in the South China Sea, such as Vietnam.
Moreover, Buntoro suggested the government study joint investment potentials in the North Natuna Sea to strengthen Indonesia's economic interests in the region.
However, it will necessitate a thorough understanding of natural resource potential in the sea, he stated.
"Indonesia should have a full understanding of its resources and how to develop them," he emphasized.
Understanding maritime resources and ways to optimize them will also enhance Indonesia's position, primarily when the country is strategically located at the crossroads of the Asia and Australia continents, as well as the Indian and Pacific oceans.
"The United States and China are not interested in Indonesian marine resources. Their focus lies on controlling the movement of ships and aircraft within Indonesian territory. With Asia's rise, up to 60 percent of global trade is projected to pass through our region," he explained.
Related news: Three navy vessels join combat preparedness drill in North Natuna Sea
Related news: Indonesia on alert to conflict risks in South China Sea: Minister
Translator: Genta Tenri M, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
