"We have discussed security issues in the South China Sea. I explained that Indonesia`s position is to not be involved directly in the South China Sea conflict," Luhut said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law and Security, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan met the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake to discuss security issues.

"We have discussed security issues in the South China Sea. I explained that Indonesias position is to not be involved directly in the South China Sea conflict," Luhut said on Thursday.

According to Luhut, Indonesia and the United States have agreed to prioritize dialogue to resolve the conflict in the South China Sea.

He added that during the meeting with Blake, he also discussed other security issues besides the South China Sea conflict.

Luhut and Blake discussed a plan to hold a meeting between ASEAN countries and the United States, to be held in California.

Previously, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu had said that Indonesia needs to have an approach that relies on defense diplomacy in the context of the South China Sea situation.

"I believe the countries involved in the South China Sea conflict must settle the issue through constructive and concrete approaches," Ryamizard added.

Ryamizard said some countries are involved in the South China Sea conflict, such as ASEAN countries and China, which must consider Article 8 of U.N. Charter that regulates each country must solve conflict through a regional resolution.

"An implementation of the concept is through a proposal to conduct joint peace patrol in the South China Sea," the minister said.

He added the concept was submitted during the Shangrila Dialogue Forum held in Singapore on April 30 this year.

The joint patrol proposal initiated by Indonesia has received positive response from some countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, Cambodia and Japan.

"Even the United States has invited Japan to hold a joint naval patrol in the South China Sea. The Australian Defense Minister has also invited Indonesia to hold a joint peaceful patrol," Ryamizard said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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