"There are four points that I believe necessary for modern armed forces to support peacekeeping operations (PKO)," Vice Foreign Minister Fachir stated here on Wednesday.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs A.M. Fachir highlighted four crucial points deemed paramount to form modern armed forces that can support the success of the UN peacekeeping mission.

"There are four points that I believe necessary for modern armed forces to support peacekeeping operations (PKO)," Vice Foreign Minister Fachir stated here on Wednesday.

The statement was delivered by the vice minister in his keynote speech at an International Conference on "Preparing Modern Armed Forces for Peacekeeping Operations in the 21st Century."

Fachir explained that the first necessary aspect to establish a modern and quality peacekeeping force is an innovative and tailored mode of training that is specifically designed in tune with the mission requirements and conditions on the field.

"Peacekeepers face a dynamic environment on a daily basis, and new forms of threat of asymmetrical nature surface on the field. In order to cope with such scenarios, they should be imparted innovative, tailored, and scenario-based training," he remarked.

He expounded that innovative training transcends soldiering skills and must cover soft skills, including strategic communication and community engagement skills, negotiation, and mediation skills, to increase the impact of peacekeeping to sustain peace and ensure greater awareness of tactical operations, such as strategic battle information.

According to Fachir, the second vital point is gaining mastery in advanced literacy of weaponry and technology. He emphasized that peacekeeping personnel should be equipped with the skill sets to operate an array of state-of-the-art weapons and tools, both during war and peace time, in order to protect and save the lives of citizens.

"They must also be equipped with critical technological enablers that may help in performing tasks, such as transport mobility, surveillance, intelligence, recognition system, and satellite communication," he stated.

Fachir further added that another critical point to form a modern quality peacekeeping force is by instilling the values of professionalism and code of ethics among peacekeepers to enable them to embrace local communities during conflict and war.

"Modern peacekeepers must develop their individual personality and professionalism as well as have respect for human rights. As professionals, modern peacekeepers are obligated to respect local laws, customs, and practices; treat local people with courtesy; and act with tact, impartiality, and integrity," he remarked.

Moreover, Fachir noted that the last important point in forming a modern armed force for the peacekeeping mission is greater participation and role of female peacekeepers.

"Fourth, we need women peacekeepers to play a greater role. Peacekeeping is just too important to be left to men alone. Hence, in order to see more women in the UN mission, we must encourage female peacekeepers to optimize their potential," he affirmed.

The International Conference on "Preparing Modern Armed Forces for Peacekeeping Operations in the 21st Century" was co-hosted by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI), Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Representatives of 28 states and two international organizations were attendees at the conference. Related news: Indonesia to dispatch 4,000 personnel for UN Peacekeeping Mission
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