Monday, 11th May 2015, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA) held a seminar on “Maritime Fulcrum and Foreign Policy” at the Nusantara Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RI.
The welcoming remarks were made by Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA) and the opening remarks were made by Professor Dr. Makarim Wisbono, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA). On behalf of H.E. Retno L.P. Marsudi Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, the keynote speech was delivered by H.E. Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of RI).
The 2 panelists were Prof. Dr. Hasjim Djalal, Member of the Governing Board of ICWA and Dr. Darmansjah Djumala, Head of Policy Analysis and Development Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. The panelists mentioned that Maritime Connectivity should be emphasized between islands. They also mentioned that Indonesia is currently at archipelagic stage. Many countries have maritime space but it is important for us to make the maritime space a part of Indonesia, and how we will attempt to protect the sea and boundaries. Indonesia has made 22 boundary agreements with the neighbouring countries.
Prof. Dr. Hasjim Djalal, Member of the Governing Board of ICWA stated that “Maritime Fulcrum is a natural response to geography destiny; we are witnessing the struggle of economic industry”. He also said there is a strong reason to embark Maritime Fulcrum as natural response and we have to think about how Indonesia can implement the Maritime Fulcrum from the Foreign Diplomacy Perspective. It is important how to induce, instil and introduce Maritime Fulcrum into Foreign Diplomacy.
ASEAN Public Relations Network supports ICWA in organizing such seminars, to improve the knowledge and encourage mutual understanding in terms of the Integration of the ASEAN Community. The Maritime Fulcrum and Foreign Policy seminar will help people to understand the new maritime line and borders in exporting and importing goods or services between ASEAN countries and many other non ASEAN countries from the foreign diplomacy perspective.
