Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Maritime defense has become vital for maintaining the safety of national and international shipping, Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said.

"The improvement of maritime defense can secure national and foreign ships," Ryamizard said in an international seminar here on Thursday.

The minister said good cooperation and communication between countries could address the issues of piracy, illegal fishing and border disputes.

"Indonesia has become committed to improving national security and establishing a defense post within five years," the minister remarked.

The Defense Ministry also organized an international seminar for the defense industry as part of 2016 Indo Defense International Expo, being held in Kemayoran, Jakarta.

An international seminar entitled, "Achieving Comprehensive Maritime Surveillance and Security through Technology Innovation and Partnerships" was also held.

The seminar was officially inaugurated by Minister Ryamizard. The conference discussed issues of international cooperation through technology innovation in the context of maritime security in the region.

The conference also intended to provide an opportunity to military leaders and the Ministry of SOEs to convey the idea of the modernization of primary defense weaponry (alutsista) in an attempt to realize the vision of maritime shaft.

The presented ideas would be a valuable input for Indonesian stakeholders as part of the efforts to formulate maritime security policy effectively and efficiently.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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