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."