Diplomatic Efforts Will Focue On Maritime Character Of Indonesia Minister

Jakarta, Jan 8 (Antara) -- Diplomatic efforts of the Indonesian government will emphasize on and base foreign affairs policies on the maritime character of the country, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi said. "Indonesian diplomatic efforts will emphasize on the maritime character of the country and utilize its strategic location between the Indian and Pacific oceans," Marsudi stated here on Thursday. According to the minister, Indonesia achieved maritime border diplomacy in three segments with Singapore and the Philippines in 2014. She added that foreign affairs diplomacy will be implemented in line with the program of President Joko Widodo to achieve Trisakti. "President Joko Widodo stated in his program that Trisakti should be achieved, which is to have political sovereignty, economic independence, and personality in culture," Marsudi explained. The foreign affairs minister further noted that Indonesia will achieve this Trisakti goal by adopting the approach of free and active politics. Also, ambassadors of foreign affairs will implement diplomatic efforts keeping people's interests in mind, the minister affirmed. "Indonesian diplomacy will be integrated with the interests of Indonesian people and will be down to earth in a firm and dignified way," she remarked. Furthermore, the ministry will promote the establishment of a maritime coalition through bilateral, regional and international meetings. Marsudi also observed that the ministry will frame the standard operational procedures and rules of engagement for maritime border areas, which have yet to be agreed upon, to support the concept of international maritime coalition. According to the minister, Indonesia will promote bilateral and regional cooperation to achieve maritime connectivity and facilitate sea lane development. "We should project our identity as a maritime country. Therefore, we will boost the concept of an international maritime coalition and cooperation with other archipelagic countries," she stressed.