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Statement New York, 11 July 2005
I should like, at the outset express
my delegations congratulations on your election as Chairman of this
very important meeting. We share your view that the purpose of this
meeting would be to review the implementation of the 2001 UN Program
of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) as well as to reach
some tentative conclusions on procedural issues and to pave the way
for next year’s Review Conference. We recognize that the challenges and threats posed by illicit SALW can not be resolved by any nation acting alone, It has not only national but also regional and international dimensions involving a myriad of issues that require collective efforts under multilateral auspices. At the national level, details activities that we have undertaken in implementing the Programme of Action is reflected in our national report. In a country like Indonesia that faces separatist movements, the acquisition of SALW by separatist groups certainly intensifies the conflict between the state and the separatists, By and large, the accelerated proliferation of SALW and their uncontrolled flow have prolonged the duration and enlarge the scope of these conflicts. Furthermore the illicit transfer of
SALW have posed grave threats to our territorial integrity not only
by fostering communal conflicts but also promoting criminal activities
which has drawn increasingly significant attention. Our authorities
also have to address the problems of transfer of arms from one conflict
zone to the others, recovering used weapons, confiscating weapons
from their unlawful holders, home-made weapons and arms smuggling We fully recognize that a critical element in moving forward against illicit trade and acquisition of SALW rests with credible national laws to effectively exercise control over the production export, import, transit and transfer of weapons. Although such legislation and regulations on SALW, including the criminalization of illegal manufacturing, processing and stockpiling of such weapons are already in place, they are considered to be inadequate to address the multiple challenges being faced by Indonesia in stemming the fide of illicit trade in SALW. Hence, the question of loopholes governing the use of SALW is being addressed through the strengthening of legal foundations and regulations. Specifically, we are engaged in the task of expanding, strengthening and improving the current national legislation and procedures to ensure compliance with government regulations to prevent illicit trade and transfer of SALW involving manufacturing import stockpiling, collection and disposal. Despite a lack of adequate resources and limited legal framework, a series of operations launched by law enforcement authorities to confiscate illegal weapons needs to be continued, particularly in the area of conflicts. In this regard we would welcome the intention of some countries to share their relevant expertise and experiences with us. We will especially welcome technical cooperation and financial assistance that aim to further strengthen our capacity to implement the 2001 Program of Action. Ultimately, it is envisioned that the problem of illegal SALW will have to be dealt with in a comprehensive manner involving not only the confiscation of illegal arms but also control over the production and distribution of legal weapons, including marking, tracing, record-keeping and stockpiling procedures.
While the nature of Southeast Asia as a region in which internal conflicts remain persistent, threats from illicit SALW are increasingly worrisome. However, we are gratified that our neighbors share these concerns and are determined to cooperate with us in preventing the flow of these weapons. Within the framework of ASEAN, the problems of SALW are addressed as an integral part of broader transnational crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and sea piracy. While cooperation on such broad issues is certainly required, it is also important for ASEAN to acknowledge that such problems need to be tackled as separate issues and given higher priority. With a view to sharing common problems concerning transnational crime, including the illicit trafficking of SALW, ASEAN has also encouraged bilateral cooperation among its members. There is intensified cooperation among law enforcement officials to curb cross-border crimes which is closely linked with arms smuggling. For instance, the Governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines have signed an “Agreement” on Information Exchange and Establishment of Communication Procedures” which, among others, would address the problems posed by illicit SALW through the exchange of information and improving transparency in import, export, acquisition, trade and transfers. Mr. Chairman, it can be foreseen that the problems related to SALW in Indonesia will be much more complicated and difficult. In this regard, all efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate this menace must be supported by better law, facilities and coordination among various agencies. However, at the end, the efforts at national level must be supported by significant regional and global activities within the framework of the 2001 Programme of Action. Therefore, my delegation is gratified to note that under the Programme of Action, existing mechanisms are being solidified in this regard, while new ones are emerging to combat the illicit trade of SALW, including the recent adoption of an international instrument on marking and tracing of SALW. Many governments, regional and international organizations have shown a firm determination to establish and strengthen cooperation and partnerships in recognition of the reality that dealing with illicit SALW has become more important than ever. Next year, we will meet again in a conference to review the follow-up and the progress of implementation of the Programme of Action. In our view, the deliberations in the coming Review Conference should address a number of pertinent issues such as marking and tracing, brokering, export controls, civilian possession, the role of non-state actors and modalities for enhancing international cooperation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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