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.