VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The United States Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is visiting Indonesia from January 22 to 24 2018. A member of House Commission 1, Dave Akbarshah Fikarno said, Jim Mattis' visit to Indonesia shows that Indonesia has a strategic and important position in defense . He emphasized  to Voice of Indonesia, in Jakarta on Tuesday (23/1), on the defense side, any forms of cooperation built by both countries should prioritize the sovereignty and Indonesian interests. According to Dave, there are various forms of cooperation that can be built by both countries such as counter terrorism and human trafficking.

 

"Indonesia has an important position in Asia Pacific region. Well, America and its neighbors have a number of rich border patrol agreements. Also monitoring people smuggling, drugs smuggling or countering terrorism. Indonesia also has the same problems. Well this can be issues to be discussed and also to reach agreement between Indonesia and America to overcome these problems," Dave said. 

Dave Akbarshah further explained that in the field of counter terrorism Indonesia and the US can cooperate through sharing information, training, discussing terrorism cells that are supervised by the US. In the maritime field, Dave said, Indonesia can discuss and consider in advance the US request to open the sea lane to be able to cross the northern part of Java Island. According to him, the interests and advantages why Indonesia should open a special path for America should also be of consideration. //(Sekar/trs Rezha)