Foreign affairs council launched

JAKARTA (JP): With the aim of reaching a more balanced view in the formulation of foreign policy and providing a forum for public exchange, Indonesia's top foreign affairs practitioners and experts have formed the Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA).

The council was formally launched at a reception here Tuesday night attended by top foreign policy figures along with foreign ambassadors. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave also attended the ceremony.

The chairman of the council's advisory board, Abdul Irsan, said the interchange of ideas would enhance foreign policy.

He said that almost every modern state has an organization which deals with the intricate aspects of international relations.

"The provision of a venue where the public can enter into dialog with the relevant state machinery is therefore essential," he said.

He added the Foreign Ministry has always felt "the need to take into account the trends in international relations to reach a more rounded view of the world state of affairs for the formulation of the country's foreign policy strategy".

The council is comprised of several former ambassadors along with respected military and foreign policy experts.

The idea to create an arena for the public to share thoughts on world affairs with the government stemmed from the Forum Dharma Caraka, a discussion group for retired ambassadors.

Irsan, along with former minister of religious affairs Munawir Sjadzali, chair the advisory board.

Members of the advisory board include former ambassador A.R. Ramly, former minister of home affairs Rudini, former state minister of environment Emil Salim, ambassador-at-large for maritime affairs Hasjim Djalal, Golkar legislator Theo Sambuaga and Jusuf Wanandi of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The council's executive board is chaired by former ambassador Suryono Darusman and head of the foreign ministry's Agency for Research and Development Djohan Sjahperi.

Executive members include former ambassador Atmono Suryo, international affairs expert Dewi Fortuna Anwar and researcher Oki Mochtan.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, who along with Joop Ave and former foreign minister Mochtar Kusuma Atmadja are patrons of the council, said "the keen and experienced minds" in the council "have a particularly valuable contribution to make".

Alatas also expressed hope that the council can help the public understand and appreciate better the country's foreign policy.

The activities of the council will include seminars, policy discussions and lectures by prominent dignitaries.

The council will also publish a quarterly journal titled Duta. The first edition was launched Tuesday. (mds)