Diplomats must broaden their horizon: Alatas
Diplomats must broaden their horizon: Alatas
JAKARTA (JP): Ali Alatas believes that Indonesia's diplomatic
corps should possess a comprehensive understanding of the many
facets of world affairs to face the unprecedented changes of the
post-cold war era.
"Diplomats cannot merely concentrate on the professional
aspect of their jobs. They should attain a broad humanistic grasp
of world affairs," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the
closing of the ministry's six-month senior staff and leadership
course.
Alatas told the 35 graduates that as diplomats they must
continue to widen their knowledge in all aspects of international
relations.
He criticized those who used such courses as a mere career
vehicles to enhance their credentials and obtain "good" postings
abroad.
"Most of you are quite diligent during the course, but as soon
as it is over, you seem to think there is no longer a necessity
to learn any further," Alatas lamented.
He pointed to various literary works and social-cultural
meetings as a fertile source of self-improvement.
The current world environment, according to Alatas, is very
different to any one previously encountered, creating
predicaments that have no prior answers.
The post-cold era has brought encouraging developments to the
resolution of various conflicts but moreover it has also
introduced some worrying occurrences.
"One thing is for sure, the initial hope of a new world order
is far from reality," Alatas said.
In the glare of these adversities the world is thus challenged
to construct a system which can sway the global changes in a
positive direction that enhances peace and justice.
Alatas explained that the world needs a set of institutional
instruments and norms for international relations.
It is these challenges that the country's legion of diplomats
have to not merely face, but successfully overcome.
"The developments will directly affect the undertaking of our
sixth-long term development plan (Repelita VI)," Alatas stated.
Quality
The quality of Indonesia's diplomatic corps has often been
criticized for its lack of quality.
Deficiencies in communicative, language and basic diplomacy
skills have been highlighted as the most obvious weaknesses.
To remedy the problems, the foreign ministry conducts periodic
courses such as the senior staff and leadership course.
Indonesian diplomats of counselor rank and higher are put
through a rigorous curriculum which includes simulations of
international conferences and briefings on the current events,
concluded by a written English paper as a final prerequisite.
Of yesterday's 35 graduates, only two acquired the highest
class honors with the majority given an "average" grade.
"A diplomat is required to foster the ability to not only
enhance knowledge that concerns his profession, but all knowledge
and experiences which can broaden his horizon," Alatas said. (07)