Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that although Indonesia is not directly involved in any territorial disputes in the East Sea, the country should bear the responsibility for helping to maintain peace in the region. 

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa

Marty made the statement during an interview with Indonesian-language Kompas newspaper on the occasion of a direct television debate on June 22 between the two presidential candidates - Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto. The debate focused on the country’s external policy and national security, including those related to the East Sea issue.

The FM stressed Indonesia has contributed to resolving territorial disputes in the East Sea by carrying out continuous diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region, adding that his country’s role has been warmly accepted by all relevant countries.

During the presidential debate, Joko Widodo said he does not want to interfere in the East Sea issue. The Jakarta governor added that if he is president, he hopes that Indonesia will be not dragged into an international dispute unless it could contribute a concrete solution.

Responding to Jokowi’s statement, Prabowo Subianto said part of Indonesia’s territory in the region was claimed by another country, and that if he is elected as president, he will pursue a policy to safeguard the country’s sacred territorial sovereignty.

VNA