5 countries' defense ministers to discuss ISIS issue

The defense ministers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines will meet on June 19 in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, to discuss the ISIS issue in Marawi, Southern Philippines.

"Along with the defense ministers from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines, we will gather in Tarakan to discuss the spread of ISIS," Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu remarked here on Thursday. 

He noted that the meeting of defense ministers from the five countries is aimed at anticipating the possible entry of ISIS into Indonesia from Southern Philippines.

Ryacudu said he had predicted 1.5 years ago that the ISIS problem would arise in Indonesia, and hence, vigilance against this threat needs to be improved.

According to Ryacudu, ISIS is a common enemy of the Indonesian nation, soldiers, police, community, and journalists. 

In the meantime, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives Dimyati Natakusumah stated in a text message received here on Thursday that the Indonesian National Army (TNI) is deemed necessary to assist the Philippine military to attack the pro-ISIS extremist group Maute in Marawi, Mindanao, the Philippines.

"I think the TNI needs to help the Philippines attack the ISIS in Marawi," Natakusumah remarked.

He said the TNI is needed to play a part in maintaining world order as well as preventing the entry of ISIS into Indonesia through its northern border.

Ridlwan Habib, an intelligence observer of the University of Indonesia, also seconded the view that the TNI needs to help the Philippines as a form of responsibility of Southeast Asian countries.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto had earlier revealed that the Indonesian military is ready to help the Philippines attack the base of the pro-ISIS group in Marawi.

The TNI will ally with the militaries of several countries: Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and the Philippines.

The Philippine government has invited Indonesia and Malaysia to combat terrorism. The Philippines has responded positively to Indonesias willingness to play a role in resolving the conflict in Marawi, Mindanao.

Source: ANTARA