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Indonesia's agenda at the UN Security Council
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 11/27/2006 12:39 PM
Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda recently appointed Hasan Kleib, a career diplomat with experience on issues related to international peace and security, as Indonesia's Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council in New York. Together with Ambassador Rezlan Ishar Jenie, Permanent Representative to the UN, Hasan will guide Indonesia's policy agenda and diplomacy at the UNSC. The Jakarta Post's Avian E. Tumengkol interviewed Hasan prior to his departure for New York. The following is an excerpt.
Question: What are Indonesia's priorities at the UNSC?
Answer: Indonesia will focus on three issues: firstly, securing our national interest. This means that any adoption of a resolution in the Council shall not in any way undermine our interests, including the very basic principle of maintaining our sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Secondly, the focus is on conflict resolution around the world, particularly related to the Middle East/Palestinian issue. It is regrettable that since the convening of the Asia-African Conference (in 1955) the issue has not been resolved.
We will also give particular attention to finding solutions to the DPRK (North Korea) and Iran nuclear issues.
Thirdly, we, like many other developing countries, have some reservations about the work of the Council so far. There is an urgent need to improve and reform the Council to enable it to answer current international challenges.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has offered the U.S. a ""triple track"" solution to Iraq. Your comment?
The situation in Iraq has been worsening. ... The number of civilians killed every day grows unabated. ... We cannot allow it to continue to happen. As a member of the international community and as the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia sees an opportunity for a comprehensive solution.
Contrary to some reactions, that is a reflection of our free and active foreign policy, by offering a formula and not in any way taking over the responsibility of the United States.
Why is the Middle East important to Indonesia?
As Foreign Minister Wirayuda said, the mother of all conflicts is the Palestinian crisis. We want to create a light at the end of the tunnel towards the establishment of an independent Palestine.
What's Indonesia's stance on UN Security Council reform?
Indonesia would like the Security Council to be more transparent, accountable, and credible. Thus, the answer lies in how we can successfully reform the Council. Indonesia prefers a comprehensive reform.
The issue (of structure) has been very focused on the question of membership, in which the so-called Permanent Five have veto privileges while others don't. The use of the veto must be addressed in order to restructure (the Council), but it must remain regulated.
Also, resolutions are broadly discussed only among the Permanent Five (the U.S., the United Kingdom, Russia, China and France). The other 10 non-permanent members, let alone the majority of UN members, have been left behind on issues of concern to the international community. This unbalanced situation has to be addressed by increasing the participation of member countries, especially through the General Assembly.
How will Indonesia play a role in the nuclear drama on the Korean peninsula?
Recent developments in the Korean peninsula have drawn our attention to the fact that our region is still under the threat of nuclear weapons.
For Indonesia, as country that is faithful to the non-proliferation treaty (NPT), any effort by certain countries to acquire nuclear weapons is just unacceptable. Full implementation and adherence by all states to the NPT is of paramount importance to successfully curbing nuclear proliferation.
Any effort to resolve conflict must be done through dialog and negotiation. Therefore, all the parties concerned have made every effort and are truly committed to a return to the Six-Party Talks.
You seem very optimistic about Indonesia's presence and its role on the UNSC. Does Indonesia expect success in its multilateral diplomacy?
Contributing to the UNSC is a continuous process. Starting in January 2007, it will be Indonesia's third time to be on the UNSC (the first was in 1973-74, then 1995-96); this will form a basic ground for permanent members to consider our voice.
But as a non-permanent member, Indonesia will not have as much influence on deciding on resolutions as the Permanent Five, since they have veto power.
We will, however, take every opportunity to contribute in any way we can.
We will maximize our presence, considering our limitations, for the betterment of all nations, and not only for Indonesia's interests. Indonesia will consolidate the Caucus of the Non-Aligned Movement and closely and intensely coordinate with the Permanent Five and the other non-permanent members.
Indonesia has a free, active, and independent foreign policy. We will work to fulfill the highest expectations of not only Indonesia, but also international society. Indonesia will be eloquent in our actions and diplomacy.
