REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi has assured that her ministry will give priority to four programs to be implemented in the next five years.

"We will prioritize four factors---preserving Indonesian sovereignty, improving the protection provided to Indonesian citizens and legal agencies, increasing Indonesian diplomatic efforts to achieve economic self-sufficiency, and playing an important role in the regional and international communities," Marsudi said here on Thursday.

She delivered her speech during a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Issues related to border disputes and separatism are two main challenges to overcome.

According to the minister, a favorable climate should be maintained to prevent separatist acts. The ministry should avoid foreign parties that support separatism.

"At least 65 percent of border security issues, including maritime border issues, have been resolved, while land border issues are being coordinated with the Internal Affairs Ministry," Marsudi affirmed.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government should protect its citizens abroad by providing legal assistance and consular services with hospitality and accountability.

"International agreements and local regulations should be taken into consideration while prioritizing these issues, as an obligation to the Indonesian citizen who lives in the foreign state," Marsudi remarked.

With regard to the economic sector, the ministry has held a meeting with Indonesian delegations. Marsudi added that at the meeting, an agreement was reached to change diplomatic measures to boost economic diplomacy.

"However, to implement economic diplomacy, we need to coordinate with related stakeholders," she pointed out.

Moreover, the ministry has also established diplomacy through cooperation in regional and global levels. Global challenges need to be resolved through cooperation with other countries.

"Indonesian diplomacy is maintained to defend national interests, such as ensuring regional stability by maintaining peace and security in the region," Marsudi observed.

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