RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Nico Siahaan, has urged the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia to bolster resources for the Military Regional Command (Kodam) II/Sriwijaya. According to him, this effort will strengthen coastal area monitoring, particularly in South Sumatra and its surrounding regions.

He also emphasized that such support is important to enhance security against potential illegal activities that may occur along the coastal areas under the responsibility of Kodam II/Sriwijaya. He explained that the support should not only include strengthening the main weaponry systems (alutsista), but also detection equipment such as radar to monitor activities in ports and surrounding waters.

“The Ministry of Defense must provide support to Kodam II/Sriwijaya, both in terms of defense equipment and detection tools to monitor ports and prevent illegal activities along the coastal areas of the region,” Nico conveyed after a meeting between Commission I of the DPR RI and the Commander of Kodam II/Sriwijaya along with his staff at the Kodam II/Sriwijaya Headquarters in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Based on his observations, the area is strategically vulnerable and therefore requires greater attention from the central government. In addition to strengthening land security by setting up additional guard posts, he stressed that maritime surveillance also needs to be improved so that illegal activities can be prevented early.

As quoted by dpr.go.id, Nico also highlighted the importance of adding more radar systems to strengthen the monitoring system. Currently, he explained, radar surveillance still relies on facilities located in Tanjung Pinang and Batam, which is not yet sufficient to monitor all vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, Commission I of the DPR is also monitoring the impact of global conflicts in the Middle East on the safety of Indonesian citizens (WNI). Nico said that the commission has coordinated with the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia to ensure the safety of Indonesians in conflict areas.

“We have asked all Indonesian representatives abroad to implement strict security measures and conduct data collection on Indonesian citizens who are in conflict zones,” he said.

According to him, the safety of Indonesian citizens is the government’s top priority when international conflicts occur. In addition, Indonesia is also expected to play a role as a mediator in efforts to resolve conflicts.

Furthermore, he warned that conflicts in the Middle East could also affect Indonesia’s economy, particularly in relation to energy supplies. Global oil prices, which have surged to above 100 US dollars per barrel, could increase the government’s energy subsidy burden.

“Every increase of 10 dollars in global oil prices can add tens of trillions of rupiah to the subsidy burden. This must receive serious attention from the government,” he stressed.