Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia in Limited Meeting on Evaluation of Indonesia’s Membership in International Organizations at the Presidential Office, Jakarta 22 December 2016

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 22 Desember 2016
Category: Speech Transcript
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Unofficial English Translation 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamu
’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

This afternoon limited meeting will discuss the evaluation of Indonesia’s membership in international organizations.

On the basis of the mandate of the opening of Constitution that says Indonesia participates in maintaining the world order based on independence, peace, and social justice, Indonesia has currently joined 233 international organizations. This is not a small amount. It is quite huge. However, I want to emphasize that Indonesia’s membership must bring benefits to our national interest.

Therefore, I demand for evaluation whether our membership in those organizations bring real benefits for our national interest or not. Do not join international organizations if it is only for formality or just because Indonesia is registered in their membership but later not actively participating. We should make positive contributions to the world and our country. Do not just follow the trend. Indonesia must uphold its free and active foreign policies.

The consequence of the membership is financial contribution. It means that we must consider out ability as well as effectivity of using the state budget for those organizations. So, let us not make useless contribution because it does not bring significant benefits for the nation, country, and people.

This is my introductoy remarks. Coordinating Minister or Minister of Foreign Affairs, the floor is yours. (Humas Setkab) (MMB/YM/Naster)

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