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strong>Sept. 20, p5

Indonesia has been warned that the territorial conflict over the South China Sea is a real threat that will sooner or later impact the country.Chief of the Sea Security Coordinating Agency, Vice Admiral Desi Albert Mamahit, gave the warning during the opening session of a focus group discussion on maritime security early warning systems held in Batam, Riau Islands, earlier this month.

Your comments:

You could warn the current Indonesian administration every day and nothing would happen other than excuses. It would take a direct hit to Indonesia before they noticed there was a problem.

Then, of course, the response would be too little, too late and the nation would suffer. Change coming? Probably not, since the nation'€™s leaders have been weaned on the mentality of turning your back until someone runs into you.

China is looking to establish a new world order and I doubt Indonesia strikes fear into many hearts as it stands now. Indonesia will only be left alone if they give in to Chinese demands. There is talk of a third world war. Where will Indonesia stand? If they let China do as it pleases, it will be the Chinese military running Indonesia'€™s business.

X Simaging

Chinese boats were twice caught inside Indonesian waters last year, but the issue was downplayed and let go by Indonesia.

Yes, not only Indonesia but all South China Sea claimants must continue to upgrade security defenses; China only respects strength!

Indonesia is the de facto leader of ASEAN and a main player in this conflict; act like one and do not leave your follow ASEAN members, the Philippines and Vietnam, alone against China. Indonesia must act like a real leader!

A good place to start would be to declare Indonesia a claimant in the South China Sea dispute, as China claims ownership of half of the Natuna islands with their nine-dash map. China'€™s muted response to Indonesian requests for clarification is simply a deceitful gesture until they can subdue the Philippines and Vietnam. What has Indonesia accomplished in the role of arbitration provider over the last few years? Appeasement of China does not work!

Mary

Just look at Malaysia benefiting from Chinese investment '€” especially the Iskandar hub. If Indonesia plays its role as a maritime axis well, China will soon be calling with good news.

Tant KT

It is not, according to the president-elect. This was one of the issues raised during the presidential debate. Jokowi said that the South China Sea wasn'€™t an issue for Indonesia.

Estear