APD II meeting marred by boycott
APD II meeting marred by boycott
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Asian People's Dialogue (ASD) II, which aims at seeking
solutions to urban poverty in the country was marred by a boycott
from foreign participants who objected to the absence of the
Indonesian participants in the plenary session.
"Where are the Indonesian participants? We won't start our
presentation unless the Indonesian participants are present,"
said a speaker on behalf of the foreign participants.
The speaker complained that participants had traveled long
distances to support the poor people's struggle here, but they
found that those same people were not really serious about
discussing their own problems.
Most of Indonesian participants left the meeting room to rest
while their colleagues presented results of discussions in a
plenary session.
The session was adjourned for 10 minutes to invite the
Indonesian participants to rejoin the presentation.
Both foreign delegates and Indonesian participants from poor
communities across the country appeared exhausted after four days
of constant discussion within a tight schedule.
Over 400 Indonesian participants and 50 foreign participants
from Asian and African countries are attending APD II.
"I have a brother working here and he invited me to his home
here in Jakarta. But, unfortunately, I could not go there as the
schedule is very tight. Tomorrow morning I have to return home,"
a delegate from the Philippines grumbled.
In spite of the lengthy sessions and tight schedule, by the
last day on Thursday the APD II had failed to come up with
practical and clear recommendations to be pursued.
"It is important for the Indonesian urban poor to understand
when and how to pursue issues raised during our discussions. For
instance, the people must ensure that all evictions are stopped
while negotiations and dialog with the government continues,"
said Sangwien Nuchtien, a delegate of Thailand.
Meanwhile, South African delegate, Iris Namo, 70, urged the
Indonesian poor people to be more committed to their struggle to
organize themselves to obtain their rights.
"We (international communities) are prepared to support you.
However, it will be extremely difficult for us to support you if
you have no commitment," Iris said.