He made the statement while receiving US Ambassador Robert O. Blake here on Thursday.
He reiterated in a press statement that the ISIS is a potential threat to the existence of the Unitary State of Indonesia (NKRI) and therefore, must be controlled.
In keeping with this belief, he added that he had been in contact with Islamic religious leaders and those of other components in Indonesia to build a common opinion that ISIS is the common enemy.
"We have decided to not let the ISIS develop or grow in any region in Indonesia. So the TNI will stage a relatively large-scale exercise in Poso because I have monitored Poso and do not want the region to become a comfortable place for ISIS to grow, following the return of fighters from Syria and Iraq," he pointed out.
Moeldoko further noted that he believed Blake could build good communication channels, especially with the TNI, and facilitate new developments with regard to the relations between the armed forces of the two countries.
The TNI commander also stated that in a recent meeting with U. S. Commander General Martin Dempsey on prospects of establishing ties between the military forces of the two countries, it was found that Indonesia and the US shared a common view regarding the collaboration and making their relations stronger.
Furthermore, US Ambassador Blake said he appreciated General Moeldokos firmness with regard to tackling the ISIS and hoped that Indonesia would monitor activities of the radical Islamist group and cooperate with other members of the ASEAN over the issue.
He also thanked Indonesia for all the assistance and efforts towards cooperation so far.
"I wish to be able to invite officers in the ASEAN region to discuss ISIS and ways to deal with the group in the future," he remarked.
On the occasion, the US ambassador requested for the use of the Ranai Air Base in Natuna for refueling purposes as part of the joint exercise between the nations.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
