Statement by
the Representative of
the Republic of Indonesia
at The Open Debate of the Security Council on Small Arms

New York, 19 January 2004

Mr. President,

My Delegation welcomes the convening of this open debate by the Security Council continuing efforts to deal with the critical problems posed by the illicit trade in small arms in conflict-ridden areas. In recognizing the devastating consequences of the accumulation and illegal trade of these weapons, the Council has, to its credit, undertaken a number of measures in stemming the flow of arms to these conflict areas under its purview. While these efforts have led to positive results in some areas of the world, this problem has persisted in others with the potential to ignite even greater disasters, and has therefore become a preoccupation of the international community.

Such illegal activities have not spared any country or region. A sizeable number of these illegally possessed weapons flow to our region, fuel violent crimes, give rise to additional conflicts and engendering instability and insecurity at the national and regional levels. It has become part of the growing menace of transnational organized crime.

My country has also been an unfortunate victim of this vicious activities. Because of its long coast lines and unique geographical attributes, Indonesia is particularly vulnerable for illegal transfers of small arms. Such organized crimes are now easily making illegal huge and unconscionable profits across borders in different countries by utilizing advanced transportation and communication technologies.
Hence, for us, the fight against individuals and organizations that indulge in illicit weapons has become a national priority, that must take into account its implication for our territorial integrity and commitment to maintain national unity. Such an unsettling state of affairs also hinders the settlement of separatist tendencies in certain parts of the country that are detrimental to our national stability and security.

Mr. President,

It is against these overriding considerations, that my delegation welcomes the report of the Secretary-General in document S/2003/1217 and the recommendations contained therein to curb and eliminate the global scourge of small arms. We also welcome in particular the call for efforts to develop an international instrument to enable states to identify and trace illicit arms in a timely and reliable manner. In this regard, we endorse the finding of the Group of Experts that it is feasible to develop such an instrument that would make a significant contribution to eradicate this menace. The General Assembly's decision to establish a working group to negotiate its nature and scope is a step in the right direction and we look forward to actively participate in its deliberations.

My delegation is gratified to note the Secretary-General' s recommendation for greater interaction between the General Assembly and the Security Council within the framework of international efforts at conflict prevention and peace-building that would promote in a coordinated manner the crucial task of developing long term strategies to halt the illicit proliferation of small arms. It can, in particular, promote the implementation of the UN Program of Action on Small Arms at the national, regional and global levels. States belonging to ASEAN are active at these levels in implementing this Program.

In the post-conflict period in the countries cited in the report, which are mostly in Africa, commendable progress has been made in such diverse areas as consolidating state authority throughout the country, implementing demobilization, disarmament, rehabilitation and resettlement programs of ex-combatants, fostering human rights and national reconciliation and promoting socio-economic progress. These efforts were undertaken within the right of states to self-defense and security and without prejudice to their corresponding right for effective control over export, import, transit and storage of small weapons. They are all crucial to the consolidation of peace and security.

For these reasons, my delegation commends the Secretary-General's proposal for the maintenance of a comprehensive approach to address these situations including rendering assistance in capacity-building and confidence-building measures; conflict prevention initiatives and peacekeeping operations; and the establishment of a secure environment for sustainable development. Thus, the complex challenges involving political, security, humanitarian and economic dimensions of the conflict in a region can be harnessed together in unison to facilitate the transition from peacekeeping to peace-building, and from relief to development.

Indonesia has supported in principle the existing mechanism for transparency in armaments under the UN Register of Conventional Arms which is included as, one of the recommendations. Apart from the seven major categories of arms incorporated in the Register, its further development should also bring in other categories such stockpiling, national production and military holdings.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, my delegation can go along with the Secretary-General's assessment that while significant progress has been made in numerous areas through a series of measures in stemming the illicit trade in small arms, others present a mixed picture. We should continue to resolve old concerns while identifying new ones as we look forward to the Second Biennial Meeting to Implement the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms to be held next year which will chart a further course of action in facing the Review Conference in 2006.

Thank your, Mr. President.