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A working meeting of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) with the defense minister, Indonesian Navy, Indonesian Army, and Indonesian Air Force in Jakarta on Monday (November 25, 2024). (ANTARA/Melalusa Susthira/rst)

VOInews, Jakarta : Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized the importance of global powers respecting the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.

"Indonesia respects the global powers, and they should respect the independence and sovereignty of our country," he noted in a working meeting with Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) on Monday.

According to the minister, Indonesia is required to play a role in reducing tensions amid the global geopolitical dynamics.

"We are placed to play a part in reducing tensions in the global relations between the United States and China," Sjamsoeddin remarked.

He noted that this was due to Indonesia's non-bloc position that prioritizes peace and always suggests that disputes between nations should end.

However, he emphasized that love for the homeland must still be prioritized at a higher level.

"Indeed, we are a country that loves peace, but we are also a nation that must love our independence. This is the message of our founding fathers when they built our country," he remarked.

The minister explained that his side is monitoring and preparing for various challenges to Indonesia's sovereignty, with particular attention to domestic issues such as the insurgency in Papua.

"We also anticipate threats that can disrupt the national strategy in the context of national economic development," he stated.

The meeting discussed the 100-day work program plan of the Defense Ministry and the readiness ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections//Antara-VOI