Analyst says Indonesia must push for international law enforcement

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Middle East analyst from the University of Indonesia, Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, has encouraged Indonesia to strengthen multilateral diplomacy to support the enforcement of international law amid increasing pressure on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement was made following the United States’ announcement of a broad campaign to “eliminate the threat” it claims the ICC poses to its national sovereignty. “Indonesia needs to encourage multilateral powers to uphold international law. Forums such as the G20, the OIC, and the Global South can serve as channels,” Syaroni said in Jakarta on Friday. According to him, this step aligns with Indonesia’s active role in sending peacekeeping troops under a United Nations (UN) mandate. “The loss of Indonesian military personnel on the battlefield under a UN mandate can only receive justice if an organ like the ICC exists and is strengthened,” he stated. He argued that when major countries ignore international law, the potential for arbitrary actions becomes much greater. Syaroni further opined that the US actions against the ICC could potentially affect the legitimacy and effectiveness of the international court. Washington is seen as not welcoming the ICC’s decision to indict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, the US is perceived as attempting to prevent its military personnel from becoming subjects of ICC prosecution in the future. He said these developments could influence the enforcement of international law, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza. According to him, US support for Netanyahu, who has been indicted by the ICC prosecutor, could potentially obstruct the legal process. “The ICC does not have its own police force to try someone, so a lack of support from a major country like the US will certainly affect the legal process,” he said. Therefore, he continued, the Gaza case requires serious attention from the UN Security Council and the ICC because there are many violations that end in impunity without trial. “This is a picture that cannot be tolerated in a civilised world,” he remarked.