Recently, geopolitical conditions in Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region have shown increasing tensions. As a country located in the Indo-Pacific region, Indonesia must be prepared to face potential conflicts at any time. This statement was delivered by former Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL), Admiral (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Marsetio, during the seminar “Geomaritime Dynamics of the Indonesian Region” held on Wednesday (19/2) at the Postgraduate Building Auditorium of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event was opened by UGM’s Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, D.E.A., M.Hum. On this occasion, Marsetio emphasized that Indonesia’s strategic position makes it vulnerable to conflicts, given that the country shares direct borders with ten neighboring nations, some of which still have unresolved disputes.
A Professor of Maritime Affairs at the Defense University, Marsetio explained that the United States has established the Indo-Pacific region as part of its economic and defense strategy to counter China’s influence. Additionally, the South China Sea has become a stage for these countries to demonstrate their military capabilities. Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to encourage cooperation among Asian nations in the region to minimize potential conflicts. A graduate of the Doctoral Program in Cultural and Media Studies at UGM’s Graduate School, Marsetio also stressed that Indonesia must always be prepared to navigate the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics. “If we love peace, we must also be ready for war,” he stated.
A lecturer in Cultural and Media Studies at UGM’s Graduate School, Budiawan, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., highlighted that despite being an archipelagic nation, most Indonesians have yet to adopt a maritime-oriented mindset. Even within the government, awareness of the maritime sector’s importance only began to develop after the reform era, marked by the establishment of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in 1999. Therefore, Budiawan emphasized the need for a shift in public perception toward maritime awareness to support Indonesia’s vision as a global maritime axis. “Especially in the current geopolitical climate, maritime awareness is becoming increasingly essential,” he concluded.
News Source:
UGM Official Website
Images and Photos:
Reni Juliani, Abd. Haris Nusabela
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