“I ask the military and Bakamla to upgrade their capabilities to safeguard our territorial waters in terms of technology, equipment, radar and preparedness,” Jokowi said in a statement distributed to the media.

The statement came on a rare occasion when President Jokowi visited the Natuna Islands to hold a limited Cabinet meeting on board the same navy warship that clashed with Chinese fishing vessels last week, apparently trying to send a clear message that Jakarta will not accept any claim by Beijing over the area.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stressed the fact that two-thirds of Indonesian territory consist of water and therefore President Jokowi gives serious attention to the country’s maritime sovereignty.

"Since the President took office, he always emphasizes two things: first, the development of the outer areas should become a priority; second, the country’s sovereignty should be maintained and upheld,” Retno said.

"On this occasion, the President comes to the Natuna Islands as they are among the country’s outer islands,” she added.

Also present at the Cabinet meeting were Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, Cabinet secretary Pramono Anung, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said, Navy commander Adm. Ade Supandi, National Development Planning Agency head Sofyan Djalil, Bakamla chief Arie Soedewo and Riau Islands Governor Nurdin Basirun.  (dmr)

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