Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said on Thursday that the Indo-Pacific region would be the center of competition for influence among the world's major powers, urging all nations in the region to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific.

He also highlighted the potential for cooperation, which could turn challenges into opportunities in the region.

“If this [stability] is damaged, the economy will also be affected. We have to protect it," he said at the 2019 Jakarta Geopolitical Forum hosted by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) on Thursday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He also said that ASEAN -- which recently adopted a document outlining its geostrategic concept of the Indo-Pacific region and emphasizing its centrality and inclusiveness -- should continue playing its central role in the vast Indo-Pacific region.

Thursday's event, with the theme “From World Disarray toward a New Normal”, brought together speakers and experts from at least five countries -- France, Australia, the United States, China and Russia -- to discuss ideas to maintain world order in amid growing rivalry among major powers and concerns that they are leaning toward zero-sum geopolitical games.

"Due to the ongoing dynamics [in the world], we need to look for new directions and equilibrium. Therefore, Lemhanas is hosting this forum to see ideas on how Indonesia should position its national interests in the future," Lemhanas governor Agus Widjojo said, as quoted by Antara.