Foreign ministry follows reform drive

JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started to reform itself by reviewing and changing policies no longer suitable under the present situation.

Speaking in a ceremony to mark the ministry's 53rd anniversary yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said a bill on international relations had been submitted to the President which would hopefully be put forward to the House of Representatives (DPR) for deliberation soon.

The bill is expected to become the legal basis for a more effective, efficient and well-coordinated implementation of foreign policies, Alatas said as quoted by Antara.

In line with the spirit of reform, the bill will give the private sector more opportunity to participate in the international arena, Alatas said.

He said the ministry has served the nation for the past 53 years and has been instrumental in a number of historical events since independence in 1945.

"The steps we have taken have not always been smooth. But with firm resolve, we have been able to overcome the constraints and barriers that we face," he said.