Indonesia keeping close eye on developments in South China Sea

The Indonesian military is evaluating its troop deployment in its territory closest to disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces said he was closely monitoring developments there, as any conflict would spillover to Indonesian territory.

JAKARTA: Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) General Moeldoko said that he has been keeping watch on territorial disputes in the resource-rich South China Sea.

While Indonesia does not have competing claims over islands in those waters, the four-star general has met his counterparts from several ASEAN countries which do, and he has relayed their concerns to his Chinese counterparts.

General Moeldoko said: "We in ASEAN do not want a situation that would lead to instability in this region. That is our firm position. And Indonesia will contribute to ensure stability. Second, Indonesia will be following the situation from time to time."

The Indonesian military anticipated that any conflict in the area would naturally spillover to Indonesian territory.

He said: "It's quite certain there will be a spillover if something happens in the South China Sea. And for that, we will certainly re-evaluate the deployment of our troops in the Natuna and Riau Islands. Those are the areas closest to the South China Sea."

General Moeldoko also warned that the rebalancing of power in the Asia Pacific, which includes the United States, could also potentially lead to instability.

He said: "We do not want rebalancing turned into provocation for people in ASEAN because it will lead to an uncomfortable situation for us."

The TNI commander's commitment to ensuring stability in the region underscores and complements Jakarta's ongoing diplomatic efforts at finding a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea disputes.

With Indonesia soon to see a change in government, its ASEAN neighbours are likely to find General Moeldoko's resolve reassuring.


Sumber - Channel NewsAsia