Statement by
Dr. Desra Percaya
the Representative of the Republic of Indonesia
On Agenda Item 52:
Ocean and the Law of the Sea

New York, 24 November 2003

Mr. President,

At the outset, let me express my appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report before us, on matters relating to the field of ocean affairs and the Law of the Sea, on this fifty-eighth session of the General Assembly. I wish also to extend my special gratitude to the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the Office of Legal Affairs for its tireless contribution and dedication to our achievements so far.

Before proceeding further, my delegation wishes to associate itself fully with the statement delivered by the Delegation of Morocco on this item earlier today, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

Mr. President,

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea represents a landmark document providing a universal legal framework for the world’s oceans and seas, including the sustainable development of its resources. My delegation is therefore pleased to recognize that the number of state parties to this Convention is significantly increasing. As of 12 November 2003, the total number was 145 states parties. This process should be maintained to allow wider and more universal participation by States to the Convention.

Further achievements of the Convention are also reflected in the dynamic operations of its three main institutions, namely the International Sea-bed Authority; the International Tribunal of Law of the Sea; and the Commission on the Limit of the Continental Shelf.

Substantive discussions at the Ninth Annual Session of the International Sea-bed Authority focused on the annual reports of contractors, the development of a legal regime for prospecting and exploration of polymetallic-sulphides and cobalt-rich crusts, and the role of the Authority in the conservation of biodiversity in the Area. Amidst the decreasing trend of the participation of its state parties, Indonesia particularly welcomes the agreement to establish a substantial Fund, although in an exceptional and one-time basis, to ensure the participation of certain developing countries to the next meeting.

My delegation is supportive of the important role of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea in settling the disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention by peaceful means in accordance with article 2, paragraph 3 of the UN Charter. We encourage further progress of the Tribunal in handling its current cases.

Furthermore, we are of the view that the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea plays an important role in facilitating the work of the General Assembly in order to provide its annual review in an effective and constructive manner. Indonesia welcomes the recommendation to convene its fifth meeting next year.

Mr. President,

As an archipelagic state and being among the earliest state parties of the Convention, Indonesia has consistently attached the utmost importance to questions pertinent to the law of the sea. Our firm support for UNCLOS is reflected in Indonesia’s active participation in all the bodies since the outset, and this will continue for many years in the future. Since the ratification of UNCLOS in 1985, the Indonesian Government has adopted new regulations as well as harmonized its existing legislation in conformity with the Convention.

Much aware of the vulnerable nature of the ecosystem of its archipelagic waters both from land-based and vessel-sourced pollution, as well as the growing concern and interest of local governments in the process of decentralization, Indonesia is currently completing draft legislation on the protection of coastal zone and small islands. The draft legislation is aimed at improving the mechanism of resource management of coastal zone and small islands in the framework of economic empowerment and marine environmental protection.

Mr. President,

In the areas of cooperation and coordination, Indonesia shares the view that regional cooperation is key to further progress of international cooperation in the field of oceans and the law of the sea. In the framework of ASEAN and other regional institutions, several meetings have been convened to discuss issues of common interests such as combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, fisheries, people smuggling, and other trans-national crimes. It is noteworthy that two workshops on the status of acceptance and implementation of IMO Convention by ASEAN member countries have been convened in 2003 in its cooperation with IMO.

In this context, Indonesia attaches particular importance to the need for capacity building so as to ensure that all States, especially developing countries, are able to implement UNCLOS and benefit from the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, as well as participate fully in global and regional forums and processes dealing with issues related to oceans and the law of the sea.

Finally, Mr. President, fully aware of the importance of continued efforts on the subject of oceans and the law of the sea, it is a distinct pleasure for my delegation to co-sponsor the resolution contained in document A/56/L.19 before us and hope that all member States lend their support.

Thank you.