From The KRI Semarang Ship, Coordinating Minister Mahfud Sends A Message "Don't Disturb Natuna Sea"

PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - The government will continue to strengthen defenses to anticipate disturbances in the Natuna Sea, which is adjacent to the South China Sea. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said this aboard the KRI Semarang.

The strengthening, he continued, by strengthening defenses at sea, land, air, and regulating marine stakeholders in dealing with disturbances that arise from outside. This was conveyed during a trip to Laut Island, Natuna Regency, Riau Islands, Tuesday, November 23.

"Early 2020, when the Chinese ships were very provocatively, we came here (Natuna Sea), the President came here, I came here, then we said this is our territory. So it's terrible for them that we exist. So they all backed out .. resign," said Mahfud in a press release received in Jakarta, Wednesday, November 24.

The government has identified a disturbance to the integrity of the nation and state. In the western hemisphere, namely in the Natuna Sea, many foreign ships and boats enter through this route, both flagged and unflagged.

In addition to strengthening from within, he said, the government made arrangements for stakeholders in the marine sector.

"Marine stakeholders are regulated in such a way, how to deal with thieves, how to handle spy ships, and how to deal with smugglers, so that the strengthening inside remains synergized," said Mahfud.

In addition to strengthening defense and security forces from within, he said, the government will enhance multidimensional development by improving the socio-economic status of people in border areas.

This is proof that the state is committed to managing border areas, especially the outer small islands (PPKT) in Indonesia, he explained.

"It's not just building the strength of law enforcement officers for defense and security at sea, but more than that. The President said, for example, no matter how much we provide weapons, soldiers, police there, but if it is not built in the socio-economic field, it will not be effective in protecting country," said Mahfud.

According to the President's message, border guarding will continue to be carried out by conducting surveillance, patrolling, and carrying out economic development.

"Because if the economy in the Natuna Sea is alive, then our integrity will be maintained," said Mahfud.