THE PRIORITIES OF INDONESIA
IN THE 56TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
I. Introduction
While constantly upholding its independent and active foreign policy, the new Indonesian Government under President Megawati Soekarnoputri has outlined a vision on the foreign policy expressly aimed at reviving the dignity of the Indonesian nation and state and at regaining the confidence of the international community, including donor institutions and foreign investors, on the Indonesian Government. Achieving those goals is essential to the successful accomplishment of other strategic goals outlined by the new Government, which include defending the nation unity and integrity in the framework of Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia; sustaining the reform and democratization process and the promotion and protection of human rights; economic recovery and strengthening of the foundation of people’s economy; and consistent implementation of rule of law, promoting peace and harmony within society, and elimination of corruption, collusion, and nepotism.
The Indonesian foreign policy gives emphasis on multilateralism, in addition to bilateral and regional modes of diplomacy. Multilateral diplomacy, especially within the United Nations context, is essential to the achievement of the aforementioned goals. Indonesia continues to support the works of the United Nations and remains committed to actively contribute to the realization of the principles and purposes of the Organization as enshrined in its Charter.
II. Issues of Priority
1. International Peace and Security
a. Disarmament and the Issue of Small Arms and Light Weapons
Indonesia shares the concerns of the U.N. Secretary-General, as illustrated in his Millennium Report, regarding the continuing problematique of nuclear armament and the mounting peril of small arms and light weapons. In that regard, Indonesia supports the initiative of convening of the Fourth Special Session of the U.N. General Assembly devoted to Disarmament and initiatives contained in traditional Resolution on Nuclear Disarmament. Indonesia also supports the commitments as outlined in the Millennium Declaration in addressing the issue of disarmament, including striving for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons and the possibility of convening an international conference to identify ways of eliminating nuclear danger.
Indonesia welcomes the recently held U.N. Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects as well as its Plan of Action as an important document containing realistic and implementable measures to urgently address the serious and persistent problems caused by the illicit trade in small arms and lights weapons in all its aspects. Indonesia will continue, individually or in its capacity as Chair of the NAM Working Group on Disarmament, its active participation in further discussion of the issue, and has strong commitment to the implementation of the Plan of Action.
b. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
Indonesia attaches great importance to CTBT as an important step towards nuclear disarmament and an effective means of promoting the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The country signed the treaty in 1996 and has taken concrete measures towards its ratification, including the establishment of National Preparatory Committee for that purpose. In the light of CTBT verification system, Indonesia has offered six seismic stations in order to support the International Monitoring System. At present Indonesia promotes cooperation with CTBTO in upgrading the capacity of two seismic stations so that they meet international standards, and with International Data Centre (IDC).
Indonesia supports the convening of the fourth Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD IV) whose objectives should include: seizing the opportunities of the present, preserving and building upon the achievements of the past in the field of disarmament and setting the future course of action in order to strengthen international peace and security; conducting an assessment of the implementation of the programme of action of the Final Document of the first Special Session of the General Assembly devoted to Disarmament (SSOD I), reviewing and assessing the international situation in the context of fundamental changes after the Cold War and identifying new challenges and ways and means to address them; setting principles, guidelines and priorities for future disarmament efforts; and establishing an agreed programme of action aimed at the future in the field of disarmament that would primarily strengthen the central role of the United Nations and multilateralism in the field of disarmament.
Indonesia will work with other U.N. member states to ensure a consensus on the objectives and agenda of the SSODIV.
Indonesia takes note, with concern, of the recent development regarding the use and advancement of missiles. Such a development if not curbed may imperil not only the 1972 ABM Treaty but also the whole commitments resulted from multilateral processes in the field of arms control and disarmament.
Indonesia supports measures initiated by the UN in addressing the issue, including the establishment of the U.N. Panel of Governmental Experts on Missiles. The country welcomes the recently held first meeting of the Panel and will remain active in further discussions at the Panel. It is Indonesia’s hope that the Panel serves as an initial step towards the establishment of multilateral negotiations on universally accepted norms regarding missiles within the U.N. framework.
e. Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines (Ottawa Convention)
Indonesia signed the Ottawa Convention in 1997. This participation reflects the country’s commitment to put an end to the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines, particularly those of civilians. Indonesia holds the view that the use of anti-personnel landmines has obstructed economic development, reconstruction, and repatriation of refugees/IDPs, and may create long-term negative consequences.
On the basis of humanitarian consideration, Indonesia supports the demining activities and rehabilitation efforts of landmine victims in mine infested countries. In that regard, in 1996 Indonesia—through the U.N. Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Clearance—contributed US$40,000 to support the demining and rehabilitation activities in Cambodia. At present Indonesia is considering of the ratification the Ottawa Convention.
U.N. Peacekeeping operations (PKO) have been an integral part of the Indonesia foreign policy, especially since the country took part in UNEF I in 1957. Indonesia’s commitment to the U.N. PKO has been strengthened by the adoption of Law No. 37/1999 on Foreign Relations, in which participation in U.N. PKO is underscored.
Indonesia appreciates the establishment of the Brahimi Panel and the issuance of the Panel’s report with a view to making U.N. PKO more effective and efficient. Indonesia supports the recommendations of the Panel as endorsed by the Extraordinary Meeting of the U.N. Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (SCPKO) in October – November 2000 and the Regular Meeting of the SCPKO in June – July 2001.
Indonesia will continue to contribute troops or civilian police to the on-going or new U.N. PKO and to participate in the future meetings of the SCPKO. Indonesia also has strong commitment to promote its level of participation in UNSAS and its on-call list systems.
g. Prevention of Armed Conflicts
Indonesia attaches great importance to the prevention of armed conflicts. In that regard, Indonesia welcomes the comprehensive and thoughtful Report of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Armed Conflict. Indonesia agrees in particular to the key role of the Organization in strengthening national capacities and to the need for consent and support of the Governments concerned with regard to efforts toward conflict prevention, and shares the Secretary-General’s view that the primary responsibility for conflict prevention rests with national Governments. Indonesia holds the view that priority should be given to conflict prevention that affects regional peace and international security while improving and strengthening the capacity of the United Nations in this field.
h. Revitalization of the U.N. General Assembly and the Reform of the U.N. Security Council
Indonesia appreciates the recent initiative taken by the President of the U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) to resume consultations on the revitalization of the UNGA. Indonesia also takes note of a series of meeting of the Working Group on the Reform of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) and remains concerned about the lack of decisive accomplishment in the discussion of elements falling under Cluster I and II.
Revitalized UNGA and reformed UNSC that reflect contemporary development of international relations are essential to the creation of a more democratic world. Indonesia will continue its participation in further discussions of the issue.
2. International Cooperation and Sustainable Development
a. Globalization and North-South Dialogue
Indonesia recognizes the process of globalization as a reality that offers both challenges and opportunities. Since globalization carries with it the increasing interdependence of all countries, the challenges it posed can be effectively addressed only through wide spread participation and partnership. In this regard, Indonesia believes that there can be no viable alternative to revitalizing the North-South dialogue.
In that respect, Indonesia looks forward to actively participating in the forthcoming High-Level Dialogue on Strengthening International Economic Cooperation for Development through Partnership. It is Indonesia’s expectation that the Dialogue would explore ways to ensure complementarity and create synergy between various forms of cooperation, both at bilateral, regional and inter-regional, and multilateral levels, involving not only governments but also relevant parts of the U.N. system and other stakeholders.
Acknowledging the process of globalization, Indonesia sees the future as a world of global free trade in which all stakeholders participate in an equitable basis. Indonesia remains fully committed to a rule-based, open, just and non-discriminatory international trading system. In this context, greater inclusiveness, internal transparency and effective and tangible participation of all members in the decision-making process in the WTO should be enhanced in order to accommodate the legitimate interests, requirements and priorities of developing countries. Indonesia views that instead of introducing new issues on the agenda of the WTO, the forthcoming Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar, should focus its deliberations on the implementation of issues pertaining to Uruguay Round Agreements and Decisions and on the operationalization of the special and differential provisions in favour of developing countries.
c. External Debt Problem of Developing Countries
Indonesia remains concerned that the debt problem of developing countries continues to be a major obstacle to development. Therefore, Indonesia reaffirms the urgent need for an effective, equitable, development-oriented and durable solutions to the external debt and debt servicing problems, including those of middle-income countries. In this context, Indonesia welcomes the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative which could help indebted countries out of the grip of acute debt problem. However, Indonesia also reiterates the call for expeditious and additional actions to enable all HIPC countries to qualify for the reduction of debt and its service as well as the write-off of unpayable debts of such countries as appropriate.
Recognizing the vital role of finance to development process and the economic growth, Indonesia will sustain its active participation in preparatory process leading up to the Intergovernmental Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Monterey, Mexico, in March 2002. It is Indonesia’s fervent hope that the Conference will generate applicable measures for the increasing flow of international sources of finance for development, both in the form of ODA and private investment, assuring the stability of international financial system, and strengthening of national economic and financial system in order to avert the recurrence of the financial crisis.
e. Operational Activities for Development
Indonesia attaches great importance to operational activities for development since they are essential to the UN system for promoting development and for enabling developing countries to take the leading role in advancing and managing their own development process. The role of operational activities, with their universality, neutrality, voluntary and grant in nature, is more urgent than ever for the promotion of development and eradication of poverty.
Indonesia is of the view that the operational activities are for the benefit of developing countries and therefore should be conducted in accordance with their own policy priorities for development. In order to ensure the optimum impact of operational activities at the field level and, the national government of the recipient countries should be closely consulted.
In that regard, Indonesia attaches a great deal of importance to the process of the Triennial Comprehensive Policy review (TCPR) of the UN operational activities for development as one major issue of deliberation during the 56th Session of the UN General Assembly. One of the issues of critical importance in the context of the Review is that of capacity building. Indonesia considers country-driven development as a major priority. It implies that national execution should be employed to the fullest extent possible and practicable in the implementation of the operational activities.
While expressing its deep concern over the fact that the globally agreed target of ODA of 0.7 per cent is far from being fulfilled, Indonesia holds the view that TCPR could provide ample opportunities for member states to evaluate and monitor as well as to take stock of the lessons learned and best practices established on the implementation of operational activities with a view to further improving their effectiveness and efficiency.
Indonesia attaches its greatest important and puts a special emphasis to the ten-year comprehensive review process of the implementation of Agenda 21 and assures its commitment to work for a successful outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development to be held in early September 2002 in Johannesburg. Indonesia’s strong attachment to the bottom-up approach preparatory works of the Summit are reflected in its active role as the chairman of the bureau of the preparatory process and its readiness to host the final preparatory meeting at the ministerial level in Indonesia in May 2002.
Indonesia views that the WSSD should not be used to renegotiate Agenda 21 but rather its should be used to reinvigorate commitment at the highest political level and to identify concrete steps at all levels in ensuring the full implementation of Agenda 21 and the relevant outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Indonesia wishes to reaffirm its commitments to the successful outcome of the Summit and to call on the international leaders to commit themselves in order to pursue our common endeavor and to ensure the achievement of the global objectives as stipulated in the Millennium Declaration. In this respect, the Summit should achieve concrete measures for the implementation of Agenda 21.
Indonesia welcomes the political agreement achieved during the last meeting of the conference of the parties to the Climate Change Convention in Bonn. Indonesia reiterates its strong commitment to continue the dialogue so as to enable us to ensure the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. Indonesia also wishes to call on the international community to mobilize their common efforts in a spirit of partnership and cooperation toward the full implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa.
3. Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law
Democratization remains vital to Indonesia. The country believes that clear agenda, gradual process, and representation mechanism are critical to a successful democratization process. The conduct of national election in a direct, general, free, confidential, trustworthy and just manner is also essential to the process.
Indonesia has been active in the discussions of the question of “support by the United Nations system for the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies.” Indonesia appreciates the convening of the Fourth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies in Cotonou, Benin, in December 2000. Indonesia believes that support of the U.N. system for democratization in a country should respect the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in matters that are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of the state.
Indonesia considers that the activities of the UN in the field of democracy should be geared towards the promotion of equal development within and among countries.
b. Human Rights and Rules of Law
Human Rights and democracy are indispensable elements of the current nation-building process in Indonesia. The country remains committed to their promotion at home and to support discussions of those issues within the U.N. and other frameworks. Indonesia has issued a National Plan of Action on Human Rights 1998 – 2003 and ratified or made accession to primary human rights instruments, including Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Convention against Torture, Other Cruel and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Convention on the Political Rights of Women, International Convention against Apartheid in Sports, Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and various ILO conventions.
In the view of Indonesia, the promotion of human rights and democracy is not an easy task. Such an activity requires a long process of preparation and implementation and should be conducted on a sustained and comprehensive basis by all parties concerned, including the Government, socio-political organizations and non-governmental organizations, diverse elements of civil society, and the general public. While the present ferment for reform in Indonesia focuses primarily on the civil and political rights of the citizens, it is Indonesia’s fervent hope that the continuing impacts of economic and financial crisis will not diminish the country’s capacity to promote and protect the economic and social rights of the Indonesian people. In this regard, the on-going ardent efforts by the current Government to advance the causes of human rights in the midst of its difficult tasks to establish a more democratic political foundation and to cope with the economic and financial crises, deserve better support and appreciation from the international community.
Indonesia takes note of the increasing concerns of countries regarding scientific and technical progress in the field of biology and genetics. Indonesia recognizes the importance to promote and ensure that scientific progress benefits individuals and develops in a manner respectful of fundamental human rights and moral values. Indonesia also recognizes the need to develop international rules and cooperation in order to ensure that mankind as a whole benefits from the life sciences, while seeking to prevent them from being used for any purpose other than the good of mankind.
Indonesia attaches great importance to the cause of indigenous issues and will continue its active participation in the discussions of the issues within the UN. Indonesia hopes that the Working Group’s discussions of the draft declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples can be successfully completed and it reflects the interests of all concerned parties, especially with regard to the issues of definition of indigenous peoples, self-determination, land rights and natural resources. Indonesia supports the idea of the enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples and believes that such a gratification should respect territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.
Indonesia looks forward to the successful assignment of the Special Rapporteur and the establishment of Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues as new mechanisms in providing assistance and in addressing the indigenous issues relating to development, economy, socio-culture, environment, education, health, and human rights.
d. International Criminal Court (ICC)
Indonesia supports the extension of mandate of the Preparatory Committee of ICC, especially with a view to discussing the issue of “crime of aggression.” Indonesia will continue its participation with other members of the Non-Aligned Movement in resolving elements pertaining to the crime of aggression. It is Indonesia’s fervent hope that the presence of ICC in the future will not establish conflicting jurisdiction vis-à-vis national laws and legislation.
e. Oceans and the Law of the Sea
Indonesia has been supportive of the work of the UN regarding ocean affairs and the law of the sea. Indonesia continues to support the implementation and preservation of the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In the view of Indonesia, the Convention is a landmark document and provides a legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas.
Indonesia attaches great importance to marine science and applied technology which are vital to the economic activities of developing countries and to the countries’ efforts in eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and conserving the world’s marine environment. In that regard, the country supports the on-going discussions with a view to finding ways to enhance the capacity building and transfer of technology for developing countries.
With regard to the Agreement for the implementation of the Provisions of the UNCLOS relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, Indonesia holds the view that it is pivotal for the international community to implement the provisions of the Agreement. In that line, Indonesia is now preparing an act to ratify the Agreement. This step reflects the country’s commitment to the conservation and management of stocks in the areas under national jurisdiction. Indonesia also believes that states should cooperate to ensure the effective implementation for conserving and managing fish stocks both within and beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone.
4. Social Issues
In spite of the fact the impacts of the 1997 financial and economic crises have not yet completely redeemed, Indonesia remains determined to achieve the goals enunciated at the World Summit for Social Development and its review process (Special Session of the General Assembly on the Implementation of the Outcome of the World Summit for Social Development). Indonesia is of the view that the global agenda for social development will be successfully accomplished if financial resources are made available for that purpose.
Efforts to further strengthen international cooperation in addressing the issue of social development are imperative. To that end, dialogue and partnership between developed and developing countries are critical. Indonesia also underlines the contribution of NGOs and private sector in complementing the government efforts to promote social development. As regards the social development programmes, Indonesia is committed to achieving the goal of absolute poverty eradication by 2010; protecting vulnerable groups, including children, women, older persons, and disabled persons; providing protection to IDPs; and promoting public awareness of social problems, including drugs and narcotics, HIV/AIDS, and migrant workers. As regards the issue of ageing, Indonesia is committed to actively participate in the Second World Assembly on Ageing in 2002 and in its preparatory process.
Indonesia has been active in the process of achieving the goals of the International Year of Volunteers. Indonesia has established a National Committee Secretariat for designated to follow up those goals and to identify new initiatives for the promotion of the role of volunteers.
The issue of children is of paramount importance to Indonesia. While sustaining its efforts to meet the goals and basic principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child that embrace children’s rights to survival and development, non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, and child participation in all related issues of development, Indonesia carries on its legal reform, which includes harmonizing national legislation to the Convention.
Indonesia gives special attention to children in difficult situation, such as children of refugees, internally displaced children, and child labour. As far as child-related programmes are concerned, the country focuses on basic education, health, food, dietary and nutrition of children.
Indonesia attaches great significance to the commitments of the 1990 World Summit for Children and has priority on the child survival, development and protection. Nonetheless, due to the 1997 severe economic and monetary crises, the country’s efforts to meet the goals of the Summit was impeded. In the meantime, the gradually increasing economic recovery continues to support the national capacity to meet those goals.
As regards the U.N. General Assembly Special Session on Children in September 2001, Indonesia hopes that the Special Session will reinvigorate the world commitments on children and result in concrete measures to meet the unaccomplished goals of the World Summit. Indonesia, together with other developing countries, will continue to put emphasis on the strengthening of international cooperation and to strive for the support, especially financial support, of the international community for the efforts to address such issues affecting the promotion and protection of the rights of the child as poverty, globalization and economic crisis, low quality of health and educational services, and the prevention of disease transmission and spread of HIV/AIDs.
The advancement of women embodies a concept of full and equal participation of women in sustainable development, both as agents and beneficiaries in all sectors and at all levels of activities, particularly in policy formulation and decision making. Indonesia is a signatory, and an ardent supporter, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
The promotion and protection of women’s human rights should be undertaken as a confirmation of our past efforts. That is to ensure that all people in our community –from local, national, to global level—achieve their maximum potential for full and equal participation in contributing and benefiting from the increasingly globalized efforts to create a better world for all.
Indonesia takes note, with concern, of the increasing number of youths using narcotics and drugs. The Indonesian Government has devised strategies and set up preventive and recovery programmes that include information dissemination, youth counseling/education, and medication. Those activities involve diverse elements within society, including those of non-governmental.
Indonesia continues to support the strengthening of the role of the U.N. agencies in addressing the problems of drug in an integrated and comprehensive way. Indonesia has consistently supported efforts of the international community to combat illicit trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances. Indonesia attaches great importance to international cooperation and technical assistance supporting, especially, developing countries in their exertions to cope with the problems.
e. Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Indonesia is committed to implementing the various regional and international commitments to address the problems of crime prevention and criminal justice in a comprehensive manner, including the problem of money laundering.
Indonesia holds the view that standards and norms developed in the light of crime prevention and criminal justice should lay a ground for the advancement of national laws and legislation and regional and international cooperation. Indonesia believes that those standards and norms should respect national sovereignty and should not supersede national laws and legislation.
As regards the issue of corruption, Indonesia has a strong commitment to addressing the issue. Indonesia will continue its participation in the future discussions of the issue either in the UNGA or ECOSOC. The country continues to put emphasis on the International Code of Conduct for Public Officials as a tool to guide the country’s efforts against corruption, and on the U.N. Declaration against Corruption and Bribery in International Commercial Transaction. Indonesia also attaches great importance to international cooperation in seeing to the issue.
Indonesia welcomes the implementation of the Convention on the Status of Refugees. Indonesia holds the view that the refugee problems should be addressed in a comprehensive manner. As regards economically driven migrants, Indonesia supports legal solutions to address their problems. The country also attaches great importance to the protection measures of smuggled migrants as contained in the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. The implementation of those measures should be supported by international cooperation in sharing the economic responsibility acceptable to all parties concerned. Indonesia also puts emphasis on the promotion of international law in protecting migrant workers and their dependants.
5. Budgetary-Administrative Questions
Indonesia attaches great importance to the activities of the ACABQ, a subsidiary body established by the General Assembly that provides expert analysis of the programme budgets and accounts of the United Nations and the specialized agencies. With a system-wide responsibility, its role in advising the General Assembly on all administrative and financial questions is undoubtedly pivotal.
Since its inception, Indonesia deems the activities of the ACABQ critically important to ensure that the resources available are efficiently and effectively allocated according to the priority decided by all Member States. Moreover, the recent financial and economic crises that brought about negative impacts on the country’s capacity to pay its contribution, has sensitized the country on the need to ensure that taxpayers’ money be spent more wisely. In this vein, Indonesia wishes to fully engage constructively and positively in the works of the ACABQ. Therefore, the Indonesian Government has decided to present the candidature of H.E. Ambassador Soemadi DM Brotodiningrat to fill one of the seats allocated to Asia for membership of the ACABQ at the election to be held during the 56th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in 2001.
While Indonesia is fully committed to the United Nations’ activities as demonstrated amply by its role as non-permanent member of the Security Council, President of the ECOSOC, and the Chairman of the Group of 77 and China, it has never yet served as a member of the ACABQ. If elected this would be Indonesia’s first time to serve and in this regard, it is Indonesia’s sincere hope that the Member States of the UN would lend their valuable support to its candidature.
b. U.N. Finance and Administration
Indonesia attaches a great importance to the issue of improving the financial situation of the UN and therefore underlines the commitment of the Member States to pay the assessed contribution in full, promptly and unconditionally.
Indonesia views that the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003 is equally important and takes note of the presentation of the budget in its new results-based format with the objective oriented approach. However, Indonesia notes with concern that the level of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003 shows a decrease to that of the budget appropriation of the biennium 2000-2001.
With regard to the distribution of resources, proportionate allocation of resources between priorities should be emphasized. The priorities approved in resolution 55/233 have to receive resources in accordance with their status as priority area, including posts that should be redeployed from lower priority areas to higher priority areas. In this regard, a balance in the budget needs to be maintained between the area of security and the UN’s social and economic programmes with particular emphasis on the international cooperation for development.
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