As the Indonesian news journal Kompas reported, Subianto declared: "There was no joint statement and no press conference, yes. "Indonesia's position is very clear," said Subianto at a defense ministry and Indonesian Armed Forces event after his Washington visit. Needed: Joint Asean securityWith its Muslim majority and its longtime opposition to Israel, Indonesia isn't likely to tie up with staunch Israel ally America. To help Asean stay neutral and resist superpower blandishments to take sides, Jakarta should go beyond just warning against such machinations. It must take the lead in forging joint security arrangements among Asean nations, especially those like the Philippines facing strong pressures from contending big nations.

Source: Manila Times February 21, 2024 17:06 UTC