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strong>June 16, p4

From a strategic point of view, the importance of the straits of Malacca, Lombok and Sunda are unquestionable. In 2002 alone, Southeast Asian countries imported 10.3 million barrels of oil through these straits and they are projected to double the amount over the next two decades.

In comparison, the oil imported through these sea lanes is three-times greater than the oil shipped through the Gulf of Aden and ground pipelines. Further away, Japan and South Korea alone imported more than 60 percent of its oil consumption via Indonesian straits. (By Syafiq Al Madihidj, Jakarta)

Your comments:

Within Southeast Asia, only Indonesia can deter Chinese aggression ' militarily and economically. The author's advice for more Indonesian security investment is timely and wise.

Diplomatically, Indonesia can also contribute more to the South China Sea conflict if it becomes more assertive with China.

As a non-claimant in the dispute and a founder of ASEAN, Indonesia must leverage its leadership on behalf of the member claimants who are victimized by Chinese bullying.

Marie Foie