The Priorities of Indonesia
in the 57th Session of the
United Nations General AssemblyI. Introduction
Multilateralism, epitomized by the United Nations, continues to be an indispensable instrument for the accomplishment of the objectives of Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy. As the global community faces challenges that are transnational and inter-connected in nature, it is essential to take advantage of the immense potential of multilateralism, which is an expression of faith in the entire international system, not in one part of it.
Multilateralism acknowledges that the confidence of being able to resolve problems together is superior to the muscle of one of its parts to do it alone. It is a confirmation of a genuine acceptance of the wisdom of the Charter of the United Nations, to which we all subscribe, and to the Millennium Declaration. Multilateralism is an affirmation of legitimacy over power, which, on its own, does not confer legitimacy. Indonesia believes that unilateralism—no matter how philanthropic or benevolent or missionary it might seem or claim to be—cannot take the place of multilateralism.
Contrary to any claims that might be put forward for unilateral action, the real challenge is to understand and strengthen multilateralism, not dilute it. In an era of ever-closer interdependency—as witnessed by instant communications, global financial flows and multinationals—multilateralism is the most realistic approach to the resolution of international objectives. Multilateralism is the acknowledgement that each of today’s human challenges is best addressed by collective response.
Indonesia’s participation in U.N. multilateralism is guided by the principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter and the Millennium Declaration. While benefiting from the U.N multilateral diplomacy, Indonesia has a strong commitment to substantively contribute to the process so that not only each but also all member States can gain from the merit of the process.
In addition to being directed to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security and world order based on independence and social justice, Indonesian foreign policy has been steadily aimed at supporting the realization of the national strategic goals outlined by President Megawati Soekarnopoetri a year ago, namely reviving the dignity of the Indonesian nation and state and regaining the confidence of the international community; defending the national unity and territorial integrity within the framework of Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia; sustaining the reform and democratization process and the promotion and protection of human rights; economic recovery and strengthening of the foundation of people’s economy; and consistent implementation of the rule of law, promoting peace and harmony within society, and elimination of corruption, collusion, and nepotism.
In the light of strengthening U.N. multilateralism and of supporting the realization of the national strategic goals, Indonesia pays particular attention to a number of priority issues within the purview of the 57th Session of the U.N. General Assembly. Those priority issues would be outlined under the following subjects: millennium goals and the strengthening of the UN; international peace and security; international cooperation and sustainable development; promotion of democracy and good governance; social issues; and budgetary-administrative questions.
II. Issues of Priority
1. Millennium Goals and the Strengthening of the UN
a. Millennium Commitments and Roadmap for Implementation
Indonesia fully supports the principles, commitments, and goals set out in the Millennium Declaration. Indonesia believes that Member States of the UN have collective responsibility to uphold those principles and to implement the commitments stipulated in the Millennium Declaration.
In this regard, Indonesia welcomes the report of the U.N. Secretary-General on the roadmap for the implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration and looks forward to the first annual progress report to be prepared by the Secretariat on the implementation of the Millennium Declaration, drawing upon the roadmap and in accordance with resolutions 55/162 and 56/95.
Indonesia also attaches great importance to the full achievement of the Millennium goals and the implementation of the commitments of developed countries, particularly in the field of economic development, such as to halve, by the year 2015, the proportion of the world’s people whose income is less than one dollar a day and the proportion of people who suffer from hunger, to halve the proportion of people who are unable to afford safe drinking water, and by 2020 to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers.
b. U.N. Reform
Indonesia attaches great importance to the ongoing reform to strengthen the United Nations. In the reform process, Indonesia underlines the need to preserve and promote the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter and the need to keep under close intergovernmental oversight and review, all proposals that are still to be implemented as well as a continuous assessment of those that are being implemented.
Further effort to reform the UN should address the interests of developing countries, particularly in mainstreaming the development agenda within the U.N. framework and the development of a streamlined, agile and effective Secretariat to respond to the interests of all member States. In this regard, Indonesia looks forward to the forthcoming issuance of the report on the U.N. reform being prepared by the U.N. Deputy Secretary-General and will participate actively and constructively in its consideration.
c. Revitalization of the U.N. General Assembly
Indonesia welcomes the adoption of decisions aimed at strengthening and revitalizing the role of the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) as the highest deliberative and decision-making organ of the United Nations. Indonesia also appreciates the recent initiative taken by the President of the General Assembly to resume consultations on the revitalization of the GA and reaffirms its readiness to continue to participate actively in the process.
Indonesia welcomes the current non-paper on revitalization of the General Assembly prepared by the President of the General Assembly which contains important reform measures and guidelines, and hopes that the exercise on the revitalization would proceed further and more substantively in the future.
d. Reform of the U.N. Security Council
Indonesia takes note of a series of meeting of the Working Group on the Reform of the U.N. Security Council and remains concerned about the lack of decisive accomplishment in the discussion of elements falling under Cluster I and II.
A reformed U.N. Security Council that reflects contemporary development of international relations is essential to the creation of a more democratic world. Indonesia will continue its participation in further discussions of the issue.
2. International Peace and Security
a. International Terrorism
Indonesia underscore the importance for the international community to take all necessary steps within the purview of the U.N. Charter to combat international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism represents a serious threat to international peace and security and Indonesia stands ready to support measures at global and regional levels to combat international terrorism.
Indonesia is also particularly concerned at the real and tangible danger that terrorist groups may resort to the use of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. It is in this context that Indonesia supports the call in resolution 56/24 for multilateral cooperation in the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, and the global efforts against terrorism.
Indonesia is in the process of preparing the ratification of the “International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, 1999”, “the UN Convention against Transnational Crime and Its Protocols” and considering acceding to the “International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombing”. Indonesia has promulgated and enacted Law No. 15/2002 on Crime on Money Laundering. At present, through Law no. 2 of 1976, Indonesia has ratified the “Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Civil Aviation,” the Hague, 1970, the “Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation”, Montreal, 1971 and the “Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft,” Tokyo, 1963.
Indonesia welcomes the adoption of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) on September 28, 2001, which, decided, inter alia, on the establishment of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and that States should take certain measures, including freezing without delay, funds and other financial assets of persons or entities who commit, participate or facilitate terrorist acts. Pursuant to paragraph 6 of the resolution, Indonesia has transmitted two reports to the CTC and looks forward to promoting cooperation with the CTC in the framework of national capacity and institutional building.
Indonesia gives emphasis on regional cooperation towards combating terrorism. Within the ASEAN context, it reaffirms its support for the activities outlined in the Work Programme to Implement the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime adopted in Malaysia on May 17, 2002 and the commitments contained in the ASEAN-US Declaration on Cooperation to Combat Terrorism signed in Brunei on August 1, 2002.
b. Nuclear Disarmament
Indonesia reiterates its deep concern over the slow pace of progress towards nuclear disarmament, which remains the highest priority. Indonesia also expresses its concern about the lack of progress by the nuclear weapons states to accomplish the elimination of their arsenals leading to nuclear disarmament. In this regard, the threat to humanity derived from the continued existence of nuclear weapons and their possible use or threat of use remains valid.
Indonesia underscores the need to accomplish the total elimination of nuclear weapons and emphasizes the urgent need to commence negotiations without delay.
c. SSOD IV
Indonesia supports the convening of the fourth Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD IV) whose objectives should include: seizing the opportunities of the present, preserving and building upon the achievements of the past in the field of disarmament and setting the future course of action in order to strengthen international peace and security; conducting an assessment of the implementation of the programme of action of the Final Document of the first Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD I); reviewing and assessing the international situation in the context of fundamental changes after the Cold War and identifying new challenges and ways and means to address them; setting principles, guidelines and priorities for future disarmament efforts; and establishing an agreed programme of action aimed at the future in the field of disarmament that would primarily strengthen the central role of the United Nations and multilateralism in the field of disarmament.
Indonesia will work together with other U.N. member states to attain consensus on the objectives and agenda of the SSOD IV.
d. Biological Weapons
Indonesia believes that the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (biological) and Toxic Weapons and on their Destruction is essential for the maintenance of international and regional peace and security and that the effective contribution of the Convention to international and regional peace and security could be enhanced through universal adherence to the Convention.
While expressing its regret on the inability of the Fifth Review Conference to conclude its work in the allocated period of time during 2001, Indonesia stresses the importance of flexibility of the States parties in order to ensure the successful conclusion of the Conference when it reconvenes in November 2002.
e. Missile
Indonesia welcomes the report of the Panel of Governmental Experts established by General Assembly resolution 55/33 A which has been mandated to consider the issue of Missiles in all its aspects. Indonesia believes that in the absence of a universal mechanism related to delivery systems for weapons of mass destruction, any initiative to address these concerns effectively and in a sustainable and comprehensive manner should be through an inclusive process of negotiations in a forum where all States could participate as equals.
In Indonesia’s view, the Panel serves as an initial step towards multilateral negotiations on universally accepted norms regarding missiles within the U.N. framework.
f. Small Arms and Light Weapons
Indonesia welcomes the adoption by consensus of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects at the United Nations Conference and views that the Programme of Action sets out a realistic, achievable and comprehensive approach, to address the problems associated with illicit trade in small arms and light weapons on the national, regional and global levels.
Indonesia will continue its active participation in further discussion of the issue, and has strong commitment to the implementation of the Programme of Action.
g. Peacekeeping Operations
U.N. Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) have been an integral part of Indonesia’s foreign policy, especially since it took part in UNEF I in 1957. Indonesia’s commitment the U.N. PKO has been strengthened by the adoption of Law No. 37/1999 on Foreign Relations, wherein participation in U.N. PKO is underscored.
Indonesia attaches great significance to the ability of the United Nations in the effective planning and management of peacekeeping operations, some of which involve complex tasks of a multidisciplinary nature, and in the rapid deployment of the operation after the adoption of a UN mandate, and acknowledges the recent contributions of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the Secretary-General Panel on United Nations Operations (Brahimi Panel) in that regard.
Indonesia notes with concern of the fact that peacekeeping activities and the U.N. peacekeeping system were almost jeopardized by the imposition of unilateralist and the promotion of self-serving interests. In Indonesia’s view, member States should reaffirm their commitment to peacekeeping that remains essential to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Indonesia also welcomes the establishment of consultations between troop contributing countries and the Security Council. In that regard, Indonesia pays particular attention to the effective implementation of the mechanisms laid down in Security Council Resolution 1353 (2001) and in the Note of the President of the Security Council dated 14 January, 2002 (S/2002/56).
3. International Cooperation and Sustainable Development
a. Financing for Development: Putting the Monterrey Consensus to Work
Indonesia has always attached great importance to the issue of financing for development. For this reason Indonesia fully supports the Monterrey Consensus adopted by the International Conference on Financing for Development held in Monterrey, Mexico, in March 2002. In Indonesia’s view, the Consensus creates a new global deal for mobilizing the necessary resources for development, particularly for facilitating the successful implementation of the agreed United Nations development goals of the 1990s including those of the Millennium Summit. In this context we would point to the importance of the benefits of the Monterrey agreements reaching down to the people at the grassroots level.
The Monterrey Consensus calls for staying engaged which, we believe, of critical imperative. We see the challenge of following up on the outcomes of Monterrey as a daunting one. The international community should seek how best to follow up these outcomes, including by exploring a fair and workable external debt resolution such as through debt swap for development financing. The new momentum that characterized the Monterey Conference development debate must be maintained and translated into action. Effective mechanisms for such a follow-up are considered imperative.
b. Partnership for Development: Strengthening It through Dialogue
Indonesia sees the United Nations as a highly credible, universal and impartial body that can play a leading and productive role in following up the outcomes of major conferences and summits through greater partnership and cooperation between institutions through existing mechanisms. Therefore, Indonesia sees great merit in the emphasis placed by the Monterrey Consensus on strengthening and maximizing the use of the United Nations mechanisms for the follow up, in particular the ECOSOC’s high-level dialogue process and the reconstitution of the Assembly’s biannual high-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership. Indonesia is looking forward to productive and constructive deliberations on the reconstitution of the high-level dialogue during the 57th Session of the General Assembly.
We see broad-based participation to be critically important. The participation of civil society and the private sector is particularly relevant in what it brings to the partnership. There is however a need for new guidelines and for due diligence in procedures that should provide clarity to definitions, principles and criteria without micro-managing or undermining flexibility and innovation. There is also an important need to increase the participation of companies and business associations from the developing countries.
c. Implementing Sustainable Development: Through a Quantum Change of Effort
We attach great importance to the promotion of sustainable development. We are convinced that the only way forward is through the full implementation of the outcomes of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa. As agreed by the WSSD, we must act together through inclusive participation and through partnerships. All states and non-state actors, including international civil societies, should renew their commitments to pursue common endeavours and to ensure the achievement of sustainable development in the spirit of solidarity and partnership.
Indonesia fervently hopes that all states, non-state actors as well as regional and international organizations will follow-up on the outcomes of the WSSD and implement them through cooperation as well as the ongoing partnership initiatives at local, national, sub-regional, regional and international levels announced at the Summit. Indonesia holds the view that to ensure the successful implementation of the WSSD outcomes, there should be coherent and coordinated actions by the international community together with strong political and financial support by donor countries and organizations. We see Johannesburg as central to an integrated set of conferences, including Monterrey, Doha and the Millennium Summit, for defining a new multilateralism.
d. Operational Activities for Development
Indonesia has always attached great importance to the United Nations operational activities for development. It looks forward to the implementation of resolution 56/201 on the triennial policy review of the operational activities for development. Further, having considered the critical importance of the operational activities and the enormous challenge of promoting development, eradicating poverty and closing the economic and digital gaps, Indonesia recognizes that every opportunity should be explored to further strengthen such activities. That would, of necessity, require adequate funding.
Indonesia fully supports the efforts of the UN system to ensure that core resources for operational activities be made available on a predictable, continuous and assured basis. Given the fact that the United Nations has undergone significant progress in reforming the governance and functioning of its development activities, Indonesia believes that the Organization should be acknowledged with significant increases in the core resources for its operational activities. In a similar vein, it should not be undermined through serious reduction or cancellation of financial resources that have already been allocated for the funds and programmes. This would not only jeopardize programmes in many developing countries, where the support for U.N. funds and programmes has been, and remains, needed for poverty eradication and sustainable development, but also undermine the characteristics of operational activities, such as universality, voluntary and grant nature, neutrality and multilateralism.
e. Ocean and Marine Issues
Indonesia has been supportive of the work of the UN regarding ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Indonesia underlines the crucial role the states parties and member States of the UN play in supporting the implementation and preservation of the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In the view of Indonesia, the Convention is a landmark document and provides a legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas and any effort that would undermine the importance of the document should be avoided.
Indonesia attaches great importance to the role of the UNCLOS in eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and conserving the world’s marine environment. In that regard, Indonesia is of the view that the open-ended informal consultative mechanism established under the UNGA resolution 54/33 has played an important role in facilitating the annual review by the General Assembly of developments in ocean affairs. Indonesia looks forward to an active and constructive participation in the review of the effectiveness and utility of the said mechanism at the 57th Session of the UNGA.
Indonesia is in the process of preparing the legislative procedures to ratify the Agreement for the implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks. Indonesia believes that the entry-into-force of the said Agreement has reaffirmed the commitment of the international community to the conservation and management of stocks in the areas under national jurisdiction. Indonesia also believes that States should cooperate to ensure the effective implementation for conserving and managing fish stocks both within and beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Indonesia is of the view that the international community should begin to discuss the establishment of an institutional framework under the 1982 UNCLOS. Such an institutional framework could be modeled on the existing international bodies established by the contracting bodies of international mechanisms. Indonesia believes that the establishment of such an institution will strengthen the effort of the international community to manage the ocean for all mankind.
4. Promotion of Democracy and Good Governance
a. Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law
While in the long run democracy offers stability, in the short run it provides many challenges. Nevertheless, Indonesia continues to engage in the democratization process. In order to attain a mature democracy, we believe that it should be conducted through a clear agenda, with gradual steps, but with firm adherence to the principles and values of democracy.
In this regard, Indonesia has been active, and would continue to do so, in the discussions of the question of “support by the United Nations system for the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies.” Indonesia believes that support of the UN system for democratization in a country should respect the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the state.
Indonesia is also of the opinion that the activities of the UN in this field should be geared towards assisting member States experiencing democratic transition through the promotion of capacity building. In Indonesia’s view, while democratization within countries is of paramount importance, it is equally essential to achieve full democratization at global level.
Speaking of democracy, the recent finding of the United Nations Human Development Report 2002 that democratic gains of the past decade in many countries are on the verge of being reversed by authoritarian leaders is discouraging. The reported popular cynicism that democracies cannot deliver better lives is a challenge to all of us. Therefore, concrete action should be taken to reverse the indictment which that report represents through, inter alia, the promotion of capacity building.
One of the important elements in democratic principles is the respect for human rights. Despite the difficulties, Indonesia remains highly committed to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country and supports discussions of the issues within the UN and other frameworks. Domestically, the promotion and protection of human rights has further been encouraged by the reaffirmation of the provisions of the UN Declaration on Human Rights of 1948 in the Indonesian Charter of Human Rights. In this regard, the Government has adopted a number of core human rights international instruments and it will continue to ratify other instruments.
It is widely acknowledged that the key factor to a successful transformation into a democratic society is upholding the rule of law. In this regard, Indonesia has made every effort to enhance capacity and institutional building by passing new legislations, amending the Constitution as well as increasing people’s awareness of the rule of law and the importance of abiding by it.
The promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and the upholding of the rule of law is not an easy task. Such an activity requires a long process of preparation and implementation, and should be conducted on a sustained and comprehensive basis by all parties concerned, including the Government, socio-political organizations, civil society and the general public. It is with this backdrop that the UN should appreciate the progress that has been achieved so far in Indonesia and continue to support the transformation process in the fields of democracy, human rights and rule of law.
b. Good Governance and Combating Corruption
Indonesia attaches great importance to the issue of good governance and combating corruption. It emphasizes transparency and accountability in the exercise of economic, political and administrative authority at all levels of government. At the same time, it holds the view that the increasing global interdependence also calls for more participation and accountability in global decision-making. Indonesia looks forward to enhancing cooperation with the UN and its agencies with a view to strengthening the capacity to operate governmental authority in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
Indonesia has been participating constructively in the intergovernmental open-ended expert group for the negotiation of a future legal instrument against corruption. In this regard, Indonesia believes that by working together and showing strong political will, Member States could develop a strong United Nations Convention against Corruption that would root out this phenomenon at all levels of the society for the promotion of good public and corporate governance. Indonesia, for its part, is fully committed to, and willing to contribute actively toward such a successful outcome.
In this regard, Indonesia underlines the importance of the international community to support the efforts of all countries to strengthen institutional capacity and regulatory frameworks for preventing corruption, bribery, money-laundering and the transfer of funds of illicit origin, and return such funds to the countries of origin.
a. Implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration on Social development
Indonesia underlines the importance of the commitment of the developed countries in ensuring the effective implementation of all commitments and undertakings contained in the Copenhagen Declaration on Social Development and the Programme of Action adopted at the World Summit for Social Development, as a means to promote social agenda which is integral to all development efforts. In this regard, international cooperation and mobilization of international resources are crucial components of the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and the Programme of Action and the further initiatives for social development. For these reasons, Indonesia is of the view that a 10-year-review is pivotal in evaluating and renewing the commitment given by all member States to implement the Copenhagen Declaration.
b. Migration
The Government of Indonesia is firmly committed to addressing the issue of illegal migrants, particularly that of people smuggling. However, Indonesia believes that unilateral actions are ineffective, and will only provokes negative reactions from others. In this regard multilateral mechanisms are imperative in order to address the root causes of the problem, while maintaining respect for the principle of equality among sovereign states. As part of its commitment, Indonesia has signed the “UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime” as well as Protocols against the trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants.
As an initial step, at the regional level, Indonesia in cooperation with its ASEAN partners, has introduced a plan of action for combating transnational crime. In line with the adoption of the UN Convention and its protocols, the international community, through the UN, has launched Global programmes against trafficking in human beings. As a further effort, on 27 February 2002 in Bali, the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Australia convened a Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crimes. As a result of the meeting, a Co-Chairmen Statement has been adopted which underlines the need for international cooperation. In this regard, the outcome of the meeting could serve as a useful basis for the future activities of the UN on this issue.
c. Children’s Issues
Indonesia attaches great importance to children’s issues, and welcomes the adoption of “A World Fit for Children” and its action plan by the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children in May 2002. With its adoption, Member States agreed to reinvigorate the world’s commitments to children, and to take concrete measures to meet the unaccomplished goals of the World Summit on Children. Indonesia will continue to put emphasis on the strengthening of international cooperation in the effort to address issues concerning the promotion and protection of the rights of children. In this regard, special attention needs to be given to address issues which have adverse impact on children namely poverty, underdevelopment, lack of health and educational services, and the transmission of disease, especially HIV/AIDS.
In accordance with the recommendation adopted during the Special Session on Children, the Indonesian Government is developing a National Plan of Action encompassing children’s rights to survival, development, and non-discrimination as well as other issues pertaining to children. In addition, National Plan of Action on the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, National Plan of Action against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, and National Plan of Action on the Elimination of Trafficking in Women and Children are now being finalized. Indonesia believes that the convening of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting in Indonesia in May 2003 will contribute to the fulfillment of the Action Plan.
d. HIV/AIDS
Despite the fact that the epidemic of HIV/AIDS is still in its early stage in Indonesia, the problem is growing as indicated in the estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS which reached 120,000 at the end of 2001. Identifying effective responses is imperative for preventing the epidemic from growing further.
The adoption of the Declaration of Commitment at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS in June 2001 provides a new momentum for the international community to combat this devastating epidemic. It is important to acknowledge that prevention of HIV infection must be the mainstay of national, regional and international responses to the epidemic. It is also important to recognize that care, support and treatment for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS are mutually reinforcing elements of an effective response, and must be integrated in a comprehensive approach in order to combat the epidemic. Therefore, particularly for low and middle-income countries, international cooperation is important for rapidly expanding prevention, care, treatment, support and mitigation of the impact of HIV/AIDS.
e. Advancement of Women
Indonesia attaches great importance to the international efforts in the follow-up actions to implement the Beijing Declaration and the Platform of Action as adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women towards achieving gender equality in development. As a signatory of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Indonesia is committed to participating actively in the international efforts to end discrimination against women in all its forms. In this regard, Indonesia expresses concern over the issues of trafficking in women and girls, and violence against women migrant workers, which still remain common forms of abuse. Therefore, international cooperation in eliminating these problems is imperative in promoting non-discrimination to women. In the same vein, Indonesia underlines the importance of the improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system so as to ensure the equality of women in all aspects of human endeavour.
f. The Fight against Drug Trafficking, Sale and Abuse
Indonesia expresses its serious concern with the growing trend of the use of minors in the illicit production and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Also alarming is the increasing number of children who use drugs and fall victim to drug abuse. It is indicated that Indonesia is not only a transit but also a market, illegal producer and exporter of narcotic drugs. Indonesia therefore believes that all States should accord priority action to prevent child victims of this scourge.
Indonesia reaffirms the importance of the anti-drugs efforts being made at national, regional and international levels. As part of Indonesian commitment to addressing the problem, a National Narcotics Board was established in March 2002. Indonesia supports the launching of ASEAN and China Cooperative in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD) and the Bangkok Declaration in Pursuit of a Drug-Free ASEAN 2015, which was adopted in October 2000.
Indonesia has ratified the “UN Single Convention 1961”, the “UN 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substance”, and the “UN Convention against the Illicit Traffic on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988.” In implementing the outcome of the 20th Special Session of the General Assembly to counter the world drug problem, Indonesia continues to support the agreed goals and targets, towards reducing the supply and demand for drugs by 2008, as expressed in the Political Declaration on the Guiding Principles of Drug Demand Reduction. Indonesia supports the prevention of activities to limit the spread of HIV/AIDs among injecting drug abusers, and in this way, Indonesia is committed to contributing to the Millennium Summit Goal of halting and beginning to reverse the spread of the HIV/AIDs by the year 2015.
6. Budgetary-Administrative Questions
a. Programme Budget for the Biennium 2002-2003
Indonesia believes that the resources approved by the General Assembly for the biennium 2002-2003 should be commensurate with all mandated programmes and activities in order to ensure their full and effective implementation, in accordance with the provision of General Assembly Resolution 41/213 of 19 December 1986. Programmes and activities mandated by the General Assembly must be implemented fully, in accordance with the priorities as set out in the Medium Term Plan for 2002-2005. However, Indonesia notes with concern the cutback measures carried out by the Secretariat in implementing the budget resolutions.
Indonesia reiterates the need for the Secretary General to implement the budget resolutions in such a way that priority programmes and activities are not hampered in a way that will negatively affect the Member States and the Organization.
b. Human Resource Management
Indonesia considers the United Nations a uniquely global institution, with universal membership. In this regard, Indonesia welcomes the comprehensive and ongoing reform process of the Secretariat to strengthen management practices. Indonesia believes in this effort to make the organization more efficient and effective in delivering its services to meet the Organization’s priorities of this millennium. Indonesia believes that the staff of the United Nations is an invaluable asset of the Organization, and that any further efforts to improve the staff must be considered in the context of maximizing the benefits for the Organization. Furthermore, Indonesia agrees that the Secretary General needs to continue to improve accountability and responsibility in the reform of human resources management, as well as in the monitoring and control mechanisms and procedures.
Indonesia also underlines the need for the Secretariat to make further efforts to reduce the level of under-representation of Member States, and reduce the number of unrepresented Member States, including developing a program for achieving equitable geographical representation for all unrepresented and underrepresented Member States.
III. Closing
The presentation of the aforementioned priority issues does not necessarily mean that Indonesia has less interest in other issues under the agenda of the 57th Session of the U.N. General Assembly. Prioritization is deemed necessary in order to achieve optimum results with relatively limited resources. Despite those priority issues, Indonesia remains committed to participating constructively, in cooperation with other member States, in the consideration of other issues on the agenda of the 57th Session of the UNGA.