In October 2014, Indonesian President Joko Widodo revealed his Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) vision for the world’s largest archipelago. Among other things it encompassed building up Indonesia’s maritime infrastructure to benefit the economy, as well as reinforcing its maritime defence and security to protect its maritime resources and sovereignty. It comes after former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced plans in 2005 to modernise Indonesia’s armed forces, targeting a Minimum Essential Forces goal of 270 vessels, 10 fighter squadrons and up to 12 submarines by 2024. But as of April 2021, Indonesia has just 10 frigates, 21 corvettes, 4 submarines and 120 smaller patrol craft and auxillary vessels. The loss of the 44-year-old submarine KRI Nanggala 402 in April was a huge blow, and it exposed flaws in Indonesia’s ageing military assets, and renewed calls to modernise Indonesia’s naval fleet. Adding to the pressure are China’s ambitions in the South China Sea, which has led to frequent incursions by Chinese fishing vessels into Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the Natuna islands in the South China Sea. WATCH the full #Insight episode: https://cna.asia/2V6HRao ALSO WATCH: Could Indonesia's Armed Forces Make A Political Comeback? | Insight https://youtu.be/M8DyDk8k-fE China Coast Guard vs Philippine Fishermen: Duterte's Failed Pledge | Insight| https://youtu.be/zunq4kAJfy0 For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER! https://cna.asia/insideryoutubesub Follow CNA INSIDER on: Instagram: https://ift.tt/2C3sZiR Facebook: https://ift.tt/2PPEuNA Website: https://cna.asia/cnainsider
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