REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo spoke about economic and political concerns at the opening of the leadership meeting of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) here on Wednesday.
While addressing the TNI leadership, he remarked that Indonesia is currently facing new challenges following the end of the cold war.
"Political and economic concerns has evolved at a swift pace, and to be or not to be, we must follow it," he noted.
The president said the free trade wave had swept every country and brought about changes.
"We must understand this aspect and be aware of it. East Asia, with its good ports, will become a market and production base for countries that are ready for it," he affirmed.
He pointed out that trading blocs had also emerged, including the ASEAN Economic Community, which would come into effect in early 2016.
He emphasized the need to conduct a comprehensive study before deciding to join the blocs.
"Everything must be evaluated to see whether they will yield benefits. Calculations must be done in detail," he stressed.
On the other hand, preparations must be made with regard to human resources, products, and the main strategy, he added.
"We have no other choice. If we continue to use the old pattern, method, or tradition, we certainly will be overrun and will vanish. The flow of goods and people must be calculated from now on," he cautioned.
Ahead of the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community, some countries have expressed concerns over possible influx of goods from Indonesia, he pointed out.
"Several heads of state have expressed their concerns over Indonesian products. They voiced their concerns to me in hushed tones that 'we are worried about Indonesian products flooding our country,' especially their manpower market, which can be taken over by Indonesia known for its skilled and diligent workforce," he stated.
In view of this, Indonesia must not harbor concerns and fears in the face of the AEC.
"Others are worried, but why should we be like them. It would be a huge mistake if we follow them," he affirmed.
The meeting was attended by 182 high-ranking officers, including main command chiefs and several cabinet ministers, including Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Luhut Panjaitan, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, and Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman.
After the opening ceremony, President Widodo, accompanied by TNI Commander General Gatoro Numantyo, Army Chief of Staff General Mulyono, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Agus Supriatna, and Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Ade Supandi, visited the exhibition of the main weapon systems and equipment belonging to the TNI.
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