Statement by
H.E. Adiyatwidi A. Asmady
Deputy Permanent Representative of
The Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations
on
Agenda item 148
“Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism "
at the Sixth Committee of The UNGA

New York, 18 October 2004

Mr. Chairman,

It is a great pleasure for me to see you chairing the meeting of the Sixth Committee on the agenda item, “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.” This delegation believes that your extensive knowledge of the field of law will ensure that the work of this Committee is a success.

I would also like to express appreciation to the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, Ambassador Rohan Perera (Sri Lanka), for his tireless efforts to encourage States to eliminate their differences on the drafts on a comprehensive convention on terrorism, and on international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism.

Before I continue, however, let me begin by stating that my delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the Vietnam delegation on behalf of ASEAN member states.

Mr. Chairman,

Terrorism constitutes a serious threat to international peace and security to all nation and all peoples. To that extent, it is an enemy of mankind. It violates the most fundamental of all human rights: the right to life. On this principle, therefore, Indonesia condemns every act of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Although terrorism generally occurs within a single national boundary, it always carries both a national and international dimension. Acts of terrorism in various countries of the world have hammered into our consciousness the poignant lesson that no individual or community is safe from its devious reach.

In addition, the advent of globalization has enabled terrorist groups to build networks, as well as find access to finance and activities across state boundaries.
Given these developments, Indonesia is of the view that to combat terrorism must be taken seriously through concerted efforts on a global scale. These efforts must, however, be based on the Charter of the United Nations and international law as well as respect for the human rights.

To be successful in this endeavor, all civilizations and religions must align and work with the United Nations serving as the center. It is to the United Nations that Member States must turn in order to ensure that anti-terrorism instruments and mechanisms not only address various aspects of the menace of terrorism, but are also consistent with international law.

Furthermore, the international community must be conscious of the need not just to battle the symptoms of terrorism, but its root causes, such as injustice and intolerance. Acts of terrorism seriously impair the enjoyment of human rights and threaten the social and economic development of all states and undermine global stability and prosperity.

It is equally important to avoid the temptation of identifying terrorism with any particular religion, race, nationality or ethnic group.

Mr. Chairman,

Using such a multilateral approach, the Government of Republic of Indonesia has set about the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) as a matter of priority. Numerous regulations have been introduced and concrete steps have been taken to address the global threat of terrorism. Through international cooperation, Indonesia has strengthened its national legal infrastructure and enhanced national capacity building. It is Indonesia’s conviction that those constitute two vital components for an effective measures to fight against international terrorism. Progress in this area has been reported to the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC), pursuant to paragraph 6 of resolution 1373 (2001).

In light of this, my delegation is pleased to inform this august body that in Bali, Indonesia last February, Indonesia and Australia co-chaired the Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter Terrorism held. The Meeting recommended several concrete steps that the States in the region could adopt in the fight against terrorism.

Experience of combating transnational crime has taught us that intelligence and enforcement cooperation are the most important elements in the prevention stage. This applies also in the effort to combat acts of terrorism.

Upon this understanding that the Indonesian Government, as a follow up to the Bali Meeting, launched the Jakarta Center for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) on 3 July 2004. This institution was established with the main objective of enhancing the capacity building of law enforcement agencies in the region in the fight against transnational crimes. Needless to say, terrorism constitutes the key focus of the Center’s activities.

Mr. Chairman,

On the work of the Sixth Committee on this particular subject, Indonesia welcomes the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210 of 17 December 1996.

As a country that has suffered terrorist attacks, Indonesia is closely following with interest the discussion on the Sixth Committee of the draft of a comprehensive convention on terrorism, and of an international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. Indonesia attaches great importance to the conclusion of these conventions.

In the span of time of negotiation in the Sixth Committee on those two draft conventions, Indonesia is delighted to observe that most of the articles have been agreed upon, with the exception of Articles18 and 2bis of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism; and Article 4 of the draft international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism. As the report states, divergence views still exist with regard to definition, the scope of application of the conventions, and the relationship between the proposed conventions and other conventions relating to terrorism.

The debate concerning these pending issues may give the impression of slow movement. Indonesia, however, believes that progress is being made, and does not rule out consensus in the near future.

Despite the ongoing debate on those pending issues, the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee in the Sixth Committee in formulating the draft comprehensive Convention does clearly reflect the enduring commitment of all States to a holistic global regulation capable of enhancing the efforts of States to halt the advance of terrorism. Indonesia will therefore support the continuation of the work of the Ad-Hoc Committee in the Sixth Committee to discuss further the matter.

My delegation also shares the conviction of others for the convening of a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to bridge the divergent views on the remaining articles of the draft conventions. Indonesia is of the view that consensus is needed in the international community in this regard, and would like to urge Member States to cooperate fully to make this objective possible.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.