[Indonesia Report] Indonesia concerned about NK rocket launch

North Korean President of Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly visits Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on May 2012 (Photo: www.bbc.co.uk)

Indonesian Foreign Minister, Marty Natalegawa expressed concern on North Korea’s missile launch on Wednesday (December 12).

Despite of international pressure to dismantle its nuclear program, North Korea successfully launched its long-ranged rocket, saying that it is for a peaceful purpose. The technology used in the rocket launch can be used to launch nuclear weapon.

Natalegawa said that Indonesia asked for all concerned parties to exert restrains and make efforts for the stability of the Korean Peninsula, according to Kompas.com report.

“We hope that all parties would hold themselves and not to make the situation worse. All parties are asked to put priority on dialogue and diplomacy to keep the Korean Peninsula stable.” Natalegawa told Kompas.com.

Due to North Korean rocket launch, Japan mobilized its rocket interceptor system, while United States deployed a number of its Pacific Fleet’s battleship, equipped with ballistic missile defense system.

On Wednesday, South Korean Presidnet Lee Myung-Bak held an emergency national defense meeting to discuss the implications of North Korean rocket launch.

Earlier this year, on May, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received a visit from North Korea President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Kim Yong Nam. During the meeting, Kim was reported to have expressed regret over the suspicion of some countries of its nuclear program.

President SBY  was learned to have ask the countries involved in the stability of Korean Peninsula to solve the problem through dialogue and communication to avoid misunderstanding.

Meidyana Rayana Intern Reporter news@theasian.asia