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Statement by Agenda item 62 Agenda item 63
Mr. Chairman, First of all, on behalf of my delegation, 1 would like to congratulate you on your chairmanship and other members of the Bureau on their election. We pledge full support for the work that has to be done to ensure success ahead. We also associate ourselves with the statement made by the distinguished delegate of Jamaica, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Indonesia welcomes the Secretary-General’s report entitled “Follow-up to the implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the 24th special session of the General Assembly, as contained in document A160/80. Indonesia fully supports the adopted Declaration on the tenth anniversary of the World Summit for Social Development, particularly as it reaffirms that enhanced international cooperation and action at the national level are essential to the implementation of the Copenhagen commitments. This includes adopting effective measures such as new financial mechanisms to support the efforts of developing countries to achieve sustained economic growth, sustainable development, poverty eradication and strengthening of their democratic system. Mr. Chairman, In line with the three core issues of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, the Indonesian Government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has introduced its Triple Track Strategy, pro-growth, pro-employment and pro-poor in nature, which strongly reflects a people-centered development approach. This strategy includes measures to: • achieve sustainable higher
economic growth through a combination of strong exports and increased
investments, both domestic and foreign; With this strategy, we aim by 2009 to reduce the unemployment rate from 9.5 percent to 5.1 percent, and to cut the poverty rate in half to 8.1 percent. We also seek to attain a 6.6% annual growth rate for the next 5 years. This will be accomplished by maintaining macro-economic stability, fiscal sustainability and financial sector reforms. Additional resources will be allocated for social sector programmes and infrastructure development. Mr. Chairman, At this point let me touch on several issues related to social development in Indonesia. Last October Law No. 40/2004 on the National Social Security System was enacted. The law provides for progressive implementation of social security schemes in the areas of health, employment injury and pension funds. This law permits not only better policy formulation and implementation of projects. It allows for better management of the work of current social development agencies and has established a legal framework that ensures protection against unprecedented social risks and the satisfaction of basic needs. With reference to the family, as the fundamental unit of the society it plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining social and economic well-being nationally. The long established Family Health Assistance (PKK) equips rural families to cope with the challenges and social changes taking place in Indonesia. The annual National Family Day on 29 June serves as a rallying point for community development. At the regional level, Indonesia actively took part in the first East Asia Ministerial forum on Families, convened in Hanoi in April last year. Indonesia uses cooperatives as the foundation for people-centered economic activities and as a means to strengthen community-based economies. Contributing to this process, the State Ministry of Cooperative and Small-Medium Enterprises focuses its programmes on developing people-based economic systems and to multiplying and distributing equitably both the skills and resources for small and medium enterprises. With regard to volunteers, Indonesia has taken note of the major contributions of both local and foreign volunteers to recent humanitarian relief efforts in post-tsunami Aceh and North Sumatra. While being grateful for their vital contributions, Indonesia sees the need for more skillful coordination and networking among volunteers to maximize their inputs in various activities. The Government has also been sensitive to the needs of other groups in society. To assist the ageing, the 2003-2008 National Action Plan was enacted in 2003 and the following year, the National Commission on Ageing was established. Similarly, the on-going formulation of a National Action Plan on Disability reflects Indonesia’s full commitment to the Biwako Millennium Framework towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. The National Action Plan 2004-2013 has been launched along with the establishment of eight working groups to address issues specific to disabled persons. Mr. Chairman, It is also noteworthy that at the
regional level, ASEAN has regularly convened meetings among Ministers
of Social Welfare and Development. The most recent one was held in
Bangkok in December last year, where member countries agreed to build
a community of caring societies using community and people-centered
approaches. While fully aware that national governments have the primary responsibility for social development, Indonesia supports the Secretary-General’s recommendations that the collective efforts of Governments, international organizations, civil society and other stakeholders should serve as powerful means to combat poverty. Specific policy measures should guarantee access by marginalized groups to assets and opportunities — particularly education, land, capital and technology. Policies should also expand international and bilateral cooperation as well as UN agencies’ assistance, including the transfer of technology and the sharing of experiences and good practices; promote good governance and the rule of law; and take into account the gender dimension of poverty when formulating strategies. In conclusion, Mr. President, Indonesia believes that its transformation into a more democratic, peaceful, prosperous and just Indonesia will be a long and challenging process. However, with partnership and solidarity among us, as has been demonstrated in the aftermath of the dreadful tsunami, we shall overcome! I thank you, Mr. President.
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