Japan Has Own Interests in Malacca Straits Security

The headline says it all: Japan Has Own Interests in Malacca Straits Security

Japan’s desire to send its military forces to assist in the security of the Malacca Straits, according to Koesnadi Kardi, Head of the Education and Training Board at the Ministry of Defense, is due to its own interests.

“This is because almost 90 percent of Japan’s oil import trade traffic from the Middle East travels through the Malacca Straits,” said Koesnadi in Jakarta yesterday.

“For a long time now, Japan has wanted to mobilize its forces to help in the patrols, but we have always refused,” he said.

“We welcome Japan’s help in forms other than military forces, the reason being the sovereignty of Indonesia,” said Koesnadi.