Executive Director of the Institute of Peace and Reconciliation of ASEAN (AIPR) Rezlan Ishar Jenie said that a number of security issues in ASEAN are still in international spotlight.
"Therefore, if elected a non permanent member of the Council Indonesia needs to be active in accommodating ASEAN interests," Rezlan said at a public discussion on "Toward Indonesia as a non permanent member of the U.N. Security Council 2019-2020", here on Monday.
Rezlan, former Indonesian ambassador to the United Nations in 2004-2007, said currently the humanitarian issue of ethnic Rohingya is one of the world limelight in ASEAN.
"Being in the U.N. Security Council gives a greater opportunity for Indonesia to have its voices heard to maintain world peace and increase our leverage apart from representing our point of interest and other countries in an organization having common concern with us like ASEAN," he said.
Apart from regional issue, the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump also provides a big challenger for Indonesia if it is elected non permanent member of the Council, he said.
Under the leadership of Trump, the United States as a permanent member of the Council wearing veto power, have repeatedly taken controversial policy regarding world peace, he said.
"The U.S. controversial polices under Trump over the Palestinian, North Korean and Iranian issues will add to the complexity of mechanism in the U.N. Security Council," he said.
He said he hoped the presence of Indonesia would give contribution and would become an added value for the Council as an organization to accommodate all interests.
"Becoming a non permanent member of the Council will also raised the reputation and improve the image of Indonesia in international forums," he said.
Indonesia has submitted a proposal to become non permanent member of the U.N. Security Council for 2019-2020 as part of its bid to carry out the message of the country`s 1945 Constitution to take active part in preserving world peace.
The campaign for Indonesian non permanent membership with a slogan of "True Partner for World Peace" has a priority program to create peace ecosystem and global stability; synergy of agenda on peace and sustainable development, eradication of terrorism, radicalism and extremism; supporting the principles and goals of the U.Ni. charter; and playing the role of "bridge builder" among the U.N. member countries.
The public discussion on "Toward Indonesia as non permanent member of the U.C. Security Council 2019-2020" at the The Habibie Center also was also attended by observer of international relations of the University of Padjajaran Dr Teuku Rezasyah and former chief editor of the Jakarta Post Endy Bayuni.
Reporter: Saragih
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
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