“Everyone Must be Confident with Our Stability,” Foreign Affairs Minister Says

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno responds to reporters’ questions at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta (25/2)

After accompanying President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic H.E. Mr. Lubomir Zaoralek, on Thursday (25/2) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi responded to reporters’ questions on Australia’s warning to its citizens. “I think every country has rights to act, and we always be alert from time to time,” Retno said.

Retno also explained that she will indeed talk to the Indonesian National Police Chief that it is Australia’s rights to alert its citizens. “Because, in the same situation, we will also apply the same measure to Indonesian citizens,” Retno added. 

Asking about the impact of Australia’s warning, Retno said that we must tell the world the security measures taken by the Indonesian Government. “We must be confident, we must tell the world what we have done, the stability that we try to maintain, as well as our security measures,” Retno said.

The Preparation of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Extraordinary Summit

Besides responding to Australia’s warning, Retno also answered the questions about Indonesia’s preparation  in organizing OIC Extraordinary Summit which will be held in Jakarta on March and will discuss Palestine issues. “This is an extraordinary summit. We only have a short time. Thus, we, day after day, try to contact all member countries’ leaders,” Retno explained.

Retno also described that so far, the commitment of the leaders who will attend the event to contribute to solve Palestine problems is very possitive. “Normally, we get the picture on the exact number of participants, their levels and others in the last few days,” Retno said.

Moreover, Retno also explained that many participants at ministerial level have confirmed that they will attend the Summit. “President Abbas (Palestine) will surely be present, as well as the OIC Secretary General, and we are still waiting the confirmation from other member countries’ delegations,” Retno said concluding her statement. (DID/EN) (RAS/MMB/YM/Naster)