Indonesia maintains position at UN maritime watchdog
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia has succeeded in retaining its position on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the period between 2002 and 2003, after its commitment to aims of the organization was questioned by other members.
"We have succeeded in convincing the Assembly of our seriousness in supporting the IMO's mission of ensuring safety in shipping and protecting the environment," Minister of Transportation Agum Gumelar said over the weekend.
The IMO is a United Nation's agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships. It is holding its 22nd Assembly meeting in London from Nov. 19 through Nov. 30.
Agum said that Indonesia's seriousness was reflected by its ratification of 14 of the IMO's 40 conventions and protocols on maritime safety and the prevention of pollution.
"We also explained the importance of Indonesia's strategic geographical location in fighting piracy, as well as illegal immigrants," he was quoted as saying by Antara.
Director-General of Sea Communications Tjuk Sukardiman said that, considering Indonesia's position as one of the largest maritime nations in the world, it was important for the country to be included on the Council so that it would be involved in the drafting of the IMO's strategies and work programs.
The Council is the executive body of IMO and is responsible, under the Assembly, for supervising the work of the organization.
Between sessions of the assembly, the Council performs all the functions of the Assembly, except that of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.
"By becoming part of the Council, Indonesia could benefit by establishing close relationships with representatives of other countries for cooperation, investment and technical assistance," Tjuk said, adding that Indonesia had retained its place in category C of the Council.
Some 40 council members are elected by the Assembly from its 160 member states. The election is held at the Assembly's meeting every two years.
The Council is divided into three categories: 10 members with the largest interest in providing international shipping services are elected; 10 with the largest interest in international seaborne trade; and 20 with a special interests in maritime transport or navigation and whose election to the Council will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world.
For the years 2002-2003 Category A members are China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea and Panama.
Category B members are Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Bangladesh.
Category C members include Australia, the Bahamas, Cyprus, Egypt, Finland, Indonesia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Venezuela and Ghana.