President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on people of the country to refrain from any use of violence in response to a recent incident in the maritime border between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Speaking in a televised speech at the Indonesian Military (TNI) Headquarters on Wednesday evening, the President said acts of violence would only spark more violence and exacerbate the problem.
"We have to always maintain our image and personality as a dignified nation in international community without having to sacrifice our characteristic free and active foreign policy,” the president said.
He expected Indonesia and Malaysia to solve their border row without destruction.
"The way Indonesia and Malaysia deal with their row will be closely watched by our Asian neighbors and the international community. As a founder of ASEAN, Indonesia has played a role model for other Southeast Asian neighbors and countries in other parts of the world in conflict resolution,” he said.
He promised to settle the recent dispute peacefully as soon as possible.
