Geopolitical tensions in Russia-Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific have recently escalated. As a country located in the Indo-Pacific region, Indonesia must prepare itself for potential conflicts that may arise at any time.
This was emphasized by the former Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral (Ret.) Professor Marsetio during a seminar titled “Geomaritime Dynamics in the Indonesian Region” on Wednesday (Feb. 19) at the UGM Graduate School Auditorium.
According to Professor Marsetio, Indonesia’s highly strategic position makes it vulnerable to potential conflicts.
“Indonesia shares direct borders with ten neighboring countries, which poses a risk of conflict as some border issues remain unresolved,” he stated.
Professor Marsetio explained that global geopolitical conflicts could occur in three key regions: Ukraine-Russia, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific, which includes Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, could become a theater of war, particularly with China striving for global hegemony.
He noted that China has been expanding its naval bases across 37 countries and encroaching on Indonesian waters in the South China Sea.
“Even now, China continues to pursue its hegemony. Its diaspora, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, has been called back after gaining extensive knowledge from Western countries to advance their homeland,” Professor Marsetio elaborated.
The maritime expert from Universitas Pertahanan also highlighted that the United States has established the Indo-Pacific region as part of its economic and defense strategy to counter China’s movements.
The South China Sea has become a stage where nations showcase their military capabilities. Indonesia is working to foster regional cooperation among Asian countries to minimize conflicts.
Professor Marsetio, who holds a Ph.D. in Cultural and Media Studies from UGM’s Graduate School, stressed that Indonesia must remain vigilant and prepared for any geopolitical shifts.
“If we love peace, we must also be ready for war,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr. Budiawan, a Cultural and Media Studies lecturer at UGM’s Graduate School, pointed out that despite being an archipelagic nation, Indonesia’s maritime awareness among its citizens remains low.
Even within the government, a maritime-oriented mindset only began to develop after the reform era with the establishment of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries in 1999.
Dr. Budiawan emphasized the need for a shift in mindset towards becoming a maritime-oriented society in preparation for Indonesia’s vision as a global maritime axis.
“Especially with the current geopolitical landscape, maritime awareness is more crucial than ever,” he concluded.
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson