VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Thursday (29/10/2020), paid a visit to Indonesia and immediately met with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. During the meeting of the two foreign ministers, the South China Sea (SCS) was one that was raised.

Mike Pompeo praised Indonesia's courage in rejecting China's claim to territory that was claimed to be part of its country's sovereignty or is often known as the nine-dash line (nine-dash line).

"Many countries reject China's claims regarding some parts of the SCS. This is clear and bold, including what Indonesia is doing as a subject within Asia and the United States. That is what we have achieved in a multilateral relationship, and the President Trump administration is very supportive of this," he said.

Pompeo when giving a press statement after a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Thursday (29/10/2020), at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta.

Pompeo also appreciated Indonesia's maritime power, which safeguards the country's sovereignty in the Natuna Islands.

"As an example of the maritime power (TNI AL-red) to safeguard the country's sovereignty in the Natuna Islands," he added.

According to Pompeo, the United States wants to strengthen cooperation in the context of security in the SCS area with Indonesia, to protect one of the world's busiest trade routes.

"I look forward to working together in new ways, to ensure maritime security by protecting one of the world's busy trade routes," Pompeo stressed.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that Indonesia is committed to continuing to make the SCS a peaceful and stable area.

"We also discussed the conditions in the SCS and for Indonesia the area must be maintained as a peaceful and stable water area," said Retno.

In front of her counterpart, Retno also emphasized that all parties must respect international laws, especially UNCLOS 1962 which regulates the SCS.

"International law in particular UNCLOS 1962 must be respected and implemented. Therefore, there must be international recognition, including UNCLOS 1962," he added.

He said Indonesia also hopes for investment from US businessmen in the Natuna Islands.

"I encourage American businessmen to invest more in Indonesia, including in the outer islands such as the Natuna Islands," said Retno.

Meanwhile, the bilateral meeting between the Indonesian and US Foreign Ministers also discussed the development of democracy, respect for human rights, Palestine, Afghanistan, and ASEAN.

During his second visit to Indonesia, Mike Pompeo is also scheduled to meet with President Joko Widodo and the Ansor Youth Movement. (RRI)