Q: Indonesia is hosting the 104th Inter-Parliamentary Conference. What is the importance of this event ?
A : Nowadays, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) plays a greater role in international development, similar to the role played by the UN international agencies. People tend to listen and give greater consideration to the views of parliaments. For example, prior to granting donor assistance to recipient countries, the World Bank and IMF consider parliament's recommendations beforehand. This development is reflected in the desire to promote the role of IPU in the UN General Assembly. For that reason, delegations attending the UN General Assembly are encouraged to include representatives of national parliaments to participate in the delegations, thus lending the voice of IPU to the UN forum.
The IPU has a significant role to play in establishing and maintaining world peace. The Union can help resolve international conflicts such as the Palestine-Israel conflict and the strife that afflicts other parts of the world, including Africa and Latin America. Indonesia feels fortunate in having a turn to host the IPU Conference. This event is a great opportunity for our country to contribute to such peaceful endeavours through the IPU forum. Besides, we can take advantage of the Conference to impart a sense of our nation's history from the colonial period to the reform era, as well as to demonstrate the experience of Indonesia in organizing international events of great importance: we hosted the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955 in Bandung, the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 1992, and others.
Q : The Conference will examine two subjects. The first one is related to the "prevention of military and other coups against democratically elected governments and with regard to grave violations of the human rights of MP's". The second focuses on "financing for development and a new paradigm of economic and social development to eradicate poverty". How can parliaments and their members play a role in those specific areas ?
A : In relation to the item : "prevention of military and other coups against democratically elected governments and with regard to grave violations of the human rights of MPs", we see it as relevant to Indonesia since we have experienced a period under military domination, and at this time we are still struggling to rehabilitate democratic, social and political life. The Indonesian parliament realizes that the same kind of struggle is also experienced by other countries, some of which dealt with their problems expeditiously while others took longer. However, the most important thing is the consistency of our efforts to uphold the commonly agreed principles. In discussing the agenda of the forthcoming Conference in Jakarta, the Indonesian parliament will make the most of opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with other countries, as well as to establish common stances and measures to establish an order for democratic, social and political life.
In relation to human rights issues, for Indonesia and some other countries, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America, which underwent colonialism, sovereignty and human rights enforcement are two significant and intertwined elements. Therefore, neglecting to enforce human rights for the sake of national sovereignty should be avoided.
On the specific issue of human rights enforcement for parliamentarians, Indonesia is of the opinion that it is crucial. The protection of parliamentarians requires more serious attention. Any violations against the human rights of parliamentarians that occurred in the past must not happen again.
Under the : "Financing for development and a new paradigm of economic and social development to eradicate poverty", Indonesia is of the opinion that international and national economic justice should be paramount. Sadly, the latest figures show that the disparity between the poor and the rich countries keeps growing wider, and the per capita incomes of poor countries decrease due to unfair practices in the economic sphere. In this respect, Indonesia sees the IPU Conference in Jakarta as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, mutual understanding and mutual trust between the IPU members and international financial agencies in developing a common position in the efforts to narrow the gap between poor and rich countries in line with endeavours to eradicate poverty. To eliminate unfair practices in the economy, it is necessary to have a common stance to create a new paradigm for the global economic system. Parliament has a significant role in setting up the development policy of a country, and that role should be intensified so that such an important task is not solely handled by the executive.
Q : Indonesia is facing serious tensions today which cause concern to the international community. What would be your message to the delegates ?
A : Indonesia is currently facing a situation coloured by long-standing internal conflicts which have now become international concerns, such as the incidents which occurred in Atambua, Malaku and Aceh. The Government, the Parliament and the people of Indonesia are preoccupied with this situation, and we are thankful and appreciative to the countries and international agencies who have helped provide relief, particularly for those who suffer from the conflicts. Nevertheless, we appeal to the international community to understand that these conflicts are internal affairs of Indonesia. In particular, we call on the superpowers not to interfere in our domestic problems. In this very forum of IPU, Indonesia will benefit from exchanging views with other countries that have experience in dealing with internal conflicts.
At the invitation of the Indonesian Parliament, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will hold its 104th Conference and related events from 15th to 21st October in the Jakarta Convention Centre. The Inaugural Ceremony will take place on Sunday 15 October at 7 p.m., at the Nasuntara Hall, Parliament Building, in the presence of H.E. Mr. Abdurrahman Wahid, the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The Meeting of Women Parliamentarians will be held on Sunday, 15 October at 9.30 a.m.
