FOREWORD
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Madame Megawati Soekarnoputri, had outlined in her inaugural speech to the nation, in Jakarta, on 16th of August 2001, six national priorities that the Government decided to pursue during the tenure of her presidency. These priorities included, inter alia, the questions of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, good governance, sustainable development and finance for development all of which are items simultaneously the focus of deliberations and discussions at the United Nations.
It follows therefore that by the convergence of the views by the United Nations and Indonesia regarding the importance of these issues, the Indonesian Government is determined to play an active role in the relevant forums and committees of the Organization. Indonesia also firmly believes that sharing the necessary information regarding these questions with the general public is deemed appropriate to attaining those national priorities through the framework of United Nations multilateralism.
In this regard, this non-paper is expected to shed light on Indonesia’s positions concerning a number of issues on the agenda of the 56th session of the United Nations General Assembly. The issues listed are not exhaustive, and the non-paper aims only at partially indicating problems that have become priorities for Indonesia. Thus, the positions contained therein are without prejudice to the more detailed positions of Indonesia regarding items under the purview of the 56th session of the United Nations General Assembly and to those conveyed during the discussions of the items. In comprehending those positions, consideration should be accorded to the fact that at present the Indonesian Government is also in the process of comprehensively outlining its foreign policy priorities.
It is my sincere hope that this publication will serve as an open reference not only for delegations of other Member States but also, for the public both at home and overseas. Significantly, the contents contained therein are reflective of the reaffirmation of my Government’s foreign policy to contribute to the realization of the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, particularly, in the maintenance of international peace and security as well as to building a more prosperous, just and democratic international society.
Makmur Widodo
Permanent Representative