Indonesia and International standing

Indonesia and International standing

Indonesia has just completed its job as the host of the
historical Asian-African summit with more than 80 delegations
from the two gigantic continents attending and celebrating the
golden jubilee of the first summit conducted in 1955.

Unfortunately, I did not see any smart gesture from the
Indonesian side to enhance its international standing during this
important event. The issue of the day is on the reform of the
United Nations Security Council (UNSC). While Indonesia once
received support from Australia to become one of the new
permanent members of the powerful UNSC, Indonesia's response was
either unclear or pessimistic.

On the other hand, we can see other "fully aware" countries
such as Japan, China and India using the event to maximum effect.
While Japan was quite pragmatic in extending an apology for its
past atrocities as a clear act to polish its ambition for the
UNSC seat, China -- already a member of the body, which but
suffered under Japan's past aggression -- with dignity said,
"Hey, you should take history as a mirror before looking toward
the future" (The Jakarta Post, April 24).

India, too, said, "Our continents bring together most of the
great religions of the world. Yet, we do not have a commensurate
voice in the international institutions of the modern world.
Democratization of the United Nations and its specialized
agencies must be a fundamental plank of our strategic partnership
(the Post, April 24). It obviously reflects India's ambition for
the UNSC seat.

Indonesia, despite problems we are facing, has actually
significant selling points to promote itself, too: The third
biggest democracy in the world, the biggest Muslim population of
any country, the fourth most populated country and the diversity
of its cultures. Why don't we use these selling points? Why were
we so busy showering our guests with words that merely glorified
our country in the past? Aren't we aware that reform at the UNSC
is a rare event in history? Why don't we just try to rigorously
promote our country?

ALPHA AMIRRACHMAN
Jakarta