New York, 26 June 1998.- On 25 June 1998, President B.J. Habibie formally launched the Indonesian National Plan of Action on Human Rights 1998 - 2003 in Jakarta. The launch coincided with the adoption on 25 June 1993 of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference on Human Rights. The Plan of Action consists of concrete programmes which will be systematically implemented over the next five years. It constitutes the implementation of the human rights elements contained in the Seventh Five Year Development Plan of the People's Consultative Assembly no. 11/MPR/1998 on State General Guidelines.

The Indonesian National Plan of Action on Human Rights 1998 - 2003 consists of four main pillars. First, preparation for ratification of international human rights instruments, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the International Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination; and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. Second, the dissemination of information and education on human rights. Third, the implementation of priority issues on human rights. Fourth, the implementation of international human rights instruments that have been ratified by Indonesia.

The Indonesian National Plan of Action on Human Rights has been formulated in line with one of the most important recommendation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action of the World Conference on Human Rights which was convened to promote and protect human rights at the national and international levels.

The Indonesian National Plan of Action is aimed at invigorating the Indonesian effort to promote and protect the human rights of the Indonesian people, in particular the segments of the community that are most vulnerable to human rights violation.