Moeldoko Wants TNI to Accept "Big Brother" Role in ASEAN

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian military (TNI) wants to take on the role of a "big brother" in the ASEAN to promote regional order in Southeast Asia, stated TNI Commander General Moeldoko. "Strong efforts need to be taken to establish cooperation between the TNI and its counterparts, both in the ASEAN and the Asia Pacific region," he remarked on the sidelines of the TNI leadership meeting 2015 at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Monday. Moeldoko pointed out that the TNI has established a forum of armed force commanders in the ASEAN where the TNI chief has envisioned making TNI a "big brother" in the ASEAN. The ASEAN member states have acknowledged the strength and capability of TNI, he said. If TNI becomes a big brother in the ASEAN, then Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations will face a new challenge while the Asia Pacific region is transforming into a region of the 21st century and becoming a global center of economic gravity, he emphasized. The TNI chief said he has observed developments in the Asia Pacific region, including in the South China Sea. In his recent talks with the chief of the Chinese armed forces, Moeldoko expressed hope that the building of China's military strength in the South China Sea will not disrupt stability in the ASEAN region. "This is the voice of the ASEAN military chiefs. I only passed it on to China," he added. (*) Reported by Syaiful Hakim