The honorable Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces as the host of the 6th ACDFIM of 2008 - General Boonsrang Niumpradit; My dear colleagues the ASEAN CDFs and/or their representatives; and Gentlemen.

It is really  a great honor for me as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) to be able to attend the Annual Meeting of the Sixth ACDFIM of 2008 in Bangkok, this year.

Therefore, on this auspicious occasion, I would like to extend my heartiest gratitude to General Boonsrang Niumpradit - the host - who has invited me to take part in this year’s ACDFIM.

Dear Gentlemen.

The main theme of this year’s meeting : ‘The Implementation of Mechanism In Addressing Security Challenges For the ASEAN Military Cooperation’, - I value - is indeed very interesting, as this is in line with the dynamics of security development  in the world in general and in the region in particular.

I therefore would be very much delighted to bring forward a topic in my perspective stating ‘Multilateral Cooperation Through Military Interaction In the Efforts of Enhancing Security and Prosperity In The ASEAN Region.’

Dear ACDFIM Participants.

The prominent development of strategic environment which is presently quite dynamic, full of uncertainties and hard to predict has affected the international cooperation from the former bilateral to multilateral basis.

In addition, the era of globalization emerges with the development of science and technology, most particularly information technology, will unquestionably affect pattern and form of threats.

In the regional scope, the awareness of the ASEAN countries’ members on the importance of regional stability, minimizes any possible interstate conflict and encourages the need to further enhance regional cooperation by forming such forms as as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN Security Community (ASC).  Such forum establishment constitutes a significant factor in the furtherance of fostering the Spirit of ASEAN.

The development of defense power is much more emphasized by the need to face any asymmetric threat by prioritizing Confidence Building Measures (CBM) and Preventive Diplomacy. 

Dear Gentlemen.

In view of such above mentioned development of strategic environment, in my point of view, there are 2 (two) types of threats, namely : Potential Threat and Factual Threat. They can be elaborately described as follows :

Potential Threats.  The type of potential threats we face might be derived from such issues as border-lines, humanitarian values, laws and justice and  human rights as well.

Meanwhile, Factual Threats are radicalism, transnational crime, terrorism, money laundering, smuggling and sea-robbery and piracy in the strategic waterway, as well as disasters.

Dear ACDFIM Participants.

After we observe carefully various threats as mentioned above, I wish to share my viewpoints as follows:

First, as the core component in defense and security system, the ASEAN Armed Forces must urgently take comprehensive steps in such an integrated manner to face and overcome any possible threats to protect regional security and stability.

Second, it is advisable to explore productive opportunities in the framework of ASEAN military cooperation, most particularly in the field of MOOTW (military operations other than war), which includes disaster relief activities and prevention of ecosystem destruction. 

Third, exchange of intelligence data and information should be continuously conducted among the ASEAN military intelligence agencies and also with a close cooperation with a number of international intelligence agencies.

Fourth, to gain a good interoperability, the ASEAN Armed Forces have to mutually interact in any exercise and training on a regular basis, including conducting civic mission.

Fifth, the active participation of ASEAN militaries in UN Peacekeeping Operations missions is part of the implementation of mechanism in the world security arrangement and peace-making through the international agencies.

Dear ASEAN Chiefs of Defense Forces.

That was my viewpoint presented on the occasion of the 6th ACDFIM of 2008.  It is my fervent hope that the close and productive cooperation among the ASEAN Armed Forces will further help create security and prosperity of the countries and nations in the ASEAN region.

Thank you.

Commander-in-Chief of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI)
Djoko Santoso G e n e r a l

Source: ADMM