RI seeks permanent seat on UN council

RI seeks permanent seat on UN council

Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesia's success in promoting democracy and peace both at home
and internationally has bolstered its confidence in pursuing a
permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told the 59th UN
General Assembly on late Monday in New York that the country's
achievements in the area of international peace and its
commitment to democratic values had set a good precedent, not
only for other Muslim nations, but also for Western countries.

"A developing world striving not only for social and economic
progress but also for democratization must have a voice on the
Security Council. Moderate Islam must have a voice on the
Council. Indonesia would be that voice.

"That voice will insist, as we now insist, that the fight
against terrorism, like the related fight against poverty, can be
won," Hassan said in his speech, a copy of which was made
available to The Jakarta Post on Monday by the foreign ministry.

Indonesia has joined the group of countries -- Japan, India,
Germany, Brazil and South Africa -- vying for permanent
membership on the Security Council.

The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members --
China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the
United States -- and 10 other countries on a two-year rotational
seats. Non-permanent members have no veto power.

Last year, Australian Prime Minister John Howard proposed to
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the Council revamp itself to
include a permanent seat for Indonesia as the world's most
populous Muslim nation.

Hassan mentioned last week's successful election as proof that
democracy and Islam could go very well together.

"As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia
has proven that Islam can be a bastion of democracy and social
justice. Indeed, our deep sense of spirituality inspired our
people to resoundingly reject money politics, corruption,
terrorism and all forms of extremism. It was also our beacon
toward reform," he said.

He also said Indonesia had continued to strengthen its
relations with neighboring countries, particularly through
regional groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN).

In addition, the country's achievements in maintaining peace
was evident in its participation in more than 30 peacekeeping
operations since 1957.

While condemning terrorism, Hassan said Indonesia, a victim of
three deadly terror attacks, was certain that the fight against
terror could be won through a global coalition with open
membership.

Finally, Hassan called on all nations to join hands in
promoting democracy.

"Democracy is never a miracle. Never a gift nor something
imposed. It is always hard earned, often the fruit of many
sacrifices. And its ultimate worth depends entirely upon us, the
people -- whether we have the political maturity, the wisdom and
the courage to make it work and make it endure.

"To that end, we in Indonesia are devoutly committed."