REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia's Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and his Australian counterpart Marise Payne discussed maritime security issues during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit 2018 in Sydney, Australia, on Friday. Maritime security for Indonesia is an implementation of the agenda set by President Joko Widodo, to build Indonesia as the world's maritime axis, Ryamizard said in a statement on Friday.

As part of reaching the goal, he said the Indonesian Navy should be strengthened to protect trade routes that boosted the national economy. It includes routes within as well as outside the country's jurisdiction, affecting national interest.

"Maritime security in Asia Pacific is crucial, as the world's economy currently depends on maritime route for trade as well as communication lines," Ryamizard added.

Maritime security development has been closely linked to the existence of radical groups affiliated with ISIS, leading Indonesia to consider cooperating with Malaysia and the Philippines to deal with the terrorist groups along with piracy and crime at sea.

In addition to maritime security issues, the meeting included discussions on Indo-Pacific ties, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and human trafficking.

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