Indonesia wants to advance peacekeeping role in 2011

Indonesia wants to strengthen its role as a peacemaker by being a peacekeeping hub in Asia and increase its contribution to UN peacekeeping missions in 2011.

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa made the announcement while briefing reporters at an early year press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

“Regarding the issue of peacekeeping operations, Indonesia has actively contributed to the development of strategic concept for global peacekeeping missions. In 2011, Indonesia will attempt to be a hub for the peacekeeping network in the region,” Marty said as quoted by Antara.

He said Indonesia sent 1,785 officers to participate in UN peacekeeping missions in 2010, making it among the top 20 contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.

“Next, Indonesia’s diplomacy will reflect Indonesia’s readiness to increase its contribution to UN peacekeeping missions and become among the top 10 contributors to the missions,” Marty said.

The minister said Indonesia was also planning to play a more central role in nuclear disarmament, with its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) expected to be completed in 2011.

“God willing, Indonesia will complete the ratification process in 2011 and encourage various parties to support the implementation of the CTBT.”