"Indonesia respects the global powers, and they should respect the independence and sovereignty of our country," he noted in a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Monday.
According to the minister, Indonesia is required to play a role in reducing tensions amid the global geopolitical dynamics.
"We are placed to play a part in reducing tensions in the global relations between the United States and China," Sjamsoeddin remarked.
He noted that this was due to Indonesia's non-bloc position that prioritizes peace and always suggests that disputes between nations should end.
However, he emphasized that love for the homeland must still be prioritized at a higher level.
"Indeed, we are a country that loves peace, but we are also a nation that must love our independence. This is the message of our founding fathers when they built our country," he remarked.
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The minister explained that his side is monitoring and preparing for various challenges to Indonesia's sovereignty, with particular attention to domestic issues such as the insurgency in Papua.
"We also anticipate threats that can disrupt the national strategy in the context of national economic development," he stated.
Other attendees at the meeting were Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Agus Subiyanto, Deputy Minister of Defense Vice Marshal Donny Ermawan, Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, Indonesian Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, and Indonesian Army Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army Lieutenant General Tandyo Budi.
The meeting discussed the 100-day work program plan of the Defense Ministry and the readiness ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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