Foreign Minister Calls For The Importance Of Paying Attention To Non-traditional Threats

The atmosphere of the ASEAN East Asia Summit - Foreign Ministers Meeting attended by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday (5/8/2022). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS/foc.

JAKARTA - Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi at the Regional Forum meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ARF) highlighted the importance of paying attention to various non-traditional threats that could pose a threat to the interests of society.

"Non-traditional threats, such as energy crises, food crises, should not be forgotten to be given attention in the midst of a security challenge situation, because issues related to food and energy are closely related to the interests of the people," said Retno at the ARF meeting.

He explained that there is a possibility of conflict in the region like what happened in other regions. In addition, tensions occurring in various parts of the world can also increase and worsen.

He also questioned what the world should do if these things happened and gave three suggestions that he put forward.

"First, continue to strengthen the dialogue and collaboration paradigm," he said.

Second, he continued, he suggested continuing to strengthen respect for international law.

The third and final point is not to forget that apart from facing traditional challenges related to security, the world must not forget about various non-traditional challenges.

"This challenge is important to continue to be overcome through cooperation because it directly concerns the interests of the people," he added.

The ARF meeting held in Phnom Penh has adopted a number of documents, including the ARF Statement to Promote Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region through Preventive Measures.

During the meeting, the Foreign Ministers participating in the ARF also emphasized the urgency of the ARF to remain a forum that plays a role in increasing mutual understanding, mutual trust, and transparency in the region.

Indonesia, in the document adopted by the ARF, has succeeded in making reference to the AOIP in the ARF for the first time, which has recognized the importance of the principles and objectives of the AOIP in the ARF.