X-URL: http://indonesia.nl/hb2000/gov.html
GOVERNMENT
When World War II broke out in Europe and spread to the Pacific, the
Japanese occupied the Dutch East Indies as of March 1942, after the
surrender of the Dutch colonial army following the fall of Hong Kong,
Manila and Singapore. On April 1, 1945, American troops landed in
Okinawa. Soon after, on August 6 and 9, the United States dropped Atom
bombs on two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A few days
later, on August 14, 1945, the Japanese surrendered to the Allied
Forces.
That occasion opened the opportunity for the Indonesian people to
proclaim their independence. Three days after the unconditional
Japanese surrender, on August 17, 1945, the Indonesian national
leaders lr. Soekarno and Drs. Mohammad Hatta proclaimed Indonesia's
independence on behalf of the people.
The proclamation, which took place at 58, Jalan Pegangsaan Tirnur,
Jakarta, was heard by thousands of Indonesians throughout the country
because the text was secretly broadcast by Indonesian radio personnel
using the transmitters of the Japanese-controlled radio station,
JAKARTA Hoso Kyoku. An English translation of the proclamation was
broadcast overseas.
Pancasila, the State Philosophy
Pancasila. pronounced Panchaseela, is the philosophical basis of the
Indonesian state. Pancasila consists of two Sanskrit words, "panca"
meaning five, and "sila" meaning principle.
It comprises five inseparable and interrelated principles. They are:
1. BELIEF IN THE ONE AND ONLY GOD
2. JUST AND CIVILIZED HUMANITY
3. THE UNITY OF INDONESIA
4. DEMOCRACY GUIDED BY THE INNER WISDOM IN THE UNANIMITY ARISING OUT
OF
DELIBERATIONS AMONGST REPRESENTATIVES
5. SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR THE WHOLE OF THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA
Elaboration of the five principles is as follows:
1. Belief in the One and Only God
This principle of Pancasila reaffirms the Indonesian people's belief
that God does exist. It also implies that the Indonesian people
believe
in life after death. It emphasizes that the pursuit of sacred values
will lead the people to a better life in the hereafter.
The principle is embodied in article 29, Section I of the 1945
Constitution and reads: "The state shall be based on the belief in the
One and Only God".
2. Just and Civilized Humanity
This principle requires that human beings be treated with due regard
to their dignity as God's creatures. It emphasizes that the Indonesian
people do not tolerate physical or spiritual oppression of human
beings by their own people or by any other nation.
3. The Unity of Indonesia
This principle embodies the concept of nationalism, of love for one's
nation and motherland. It envisages the need to always foster national
unity and integrity. Pancasila nationalism demands that Indonesians
avoid feelings of superiority on ethnical grounds, for reasons of
ancestry and color of the skin. In 1928 Indonesian youth pledged to
have one country, one nation and one language, while the Indonesian
coat of arms enshrines the symbol of "Bhinneka Tunggal lka" which
means "unity in diversity".
4. Democracy Guided by the Inner Wisdom in the Unanimity Arising Out
of Deliberations Amongst Representatives
Pancasila democracy calls for decision-making through deliberations,
or musyawarah, to reach a consensus, or mufakat. It is democracy that
lives up to the principles of Pancasila. This implies, that democratic
right must always be exercised with a deep sense of responsibility to
God Almighty according to one's own conviction and religious belief,
with respect for humanitarian values of man's dignity and integrity,
and with a view to preserving and strengthening national unity and the
pursuit of social justice.
Thus, Pancasila Democracy means democracy based on the people's
sovereignty which is inspired by and integrated with other principles
of Pancasila. This means that the use of democratic rights should
always be in line with responsibility towards God Almighty according
to the respective faith; uphold human values in line with human
dignity; guarantee and strengthen national unity: and be aimed at
realizing social justice for the whole of the people of Indonesia.
5. Social Justice for cne Whole of the People of Indonesia
This principle calls for the equitable spread of welfare to the entire
population, not in a static but in a dynamic and progressive way. This
means that all the country's natural resources and the national
potentials should be utilized for the greatest possible good and
happiness of the people.
Social justice implies protection of the weak. But protection should
not deny them work. On the contrary, they should work according to
their abilities and fields of activity. Protection should prevent
willful treatment by the strong and ensure the rule of justice.
These are the sacred values of Pancasila which, as a cultural
principle, should always be respected by every Indonesian because it
is now the ideology of the state and the life philosophy of the
Indonesian people.
THE 1945 CONSTITUTION
The Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia is usually referred to
as the 1945 Constitution. This is partly because the constitution was
drafted and adopted in 1945 when the Republic was established, and
partly to distinguish it from two other constitutions which were
introduced in free Indonesia. Furthermore, the articles of the 1945
Constitution spell out the ideals and the goals for which independence
was proclaimed on August 17, 1945, and defended thereafter. It
reflects the spirit and vigor of the time when the constitution was
shaped. It was inspired by the urge for unity and for the common goals
and democracy built upon the age-old Indonesian concepts of gotong
royong (mutual assistance), deliberations of representatives
(musyawarah) and consensus (mufakat).
Preceded by a preamble, the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia
consists of 37 articles, four transitional clauses and two additional
provisions.
The preamble is composed of four paragraphs and includes a
condemnation of any form of colonialism in the world, a reference to
Indonesia's struggle foi' independence, a declaration of independence
and a statement of fundamental goals and principles. It further
states, inter alia. that Indonesia's national independence shall be
established in the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia with
sovereignty vested in the people. The State shall be based upon the
following philosophical principles: Belief in the One and Only God,
just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy guided
by the inner wisdom of deliberations of representatives, and social
justice for all the Indonesian people.
Guided by these fundamental principles, the basic state are to
establish an Indonesian Government which all the Indonesian people and
their entire motherland.
public welfare, develop the intellectual life of the nation, ute
towards the establishment of a world order based oeace and social
justice.
THE NATIONAL FLAG
The Indonesian national flag is called "Sang Saka Merah Putih." As
provided for in Article 35 of the 1945 Constitution, the flag is made
up of two colors, red on top of white. Its width is two-thirds ol its
length, or two meters by three meters. It is hoisted in front of the
presidential palace, of government buildings and Indonesian missions
abroad. The first flag was courageously flown amidst Japanese
occupation forces on the day Indonesia's independence was proclaimed.
Since then it has been hoisted at independence day commemorations in
front of the presidential palace in the capital city of Jakarta. This
historical flag. or "bendera pusaka." was flown for the last time on
August 17. 1968. Since then it has been preserved and replaced by a
replica woven of pure Indonesian silk.
THE COAT OF ARMS
The Indonesian roat of arms consists of a golden eagle, called
"garuda." that is a figure from ancient Indonesian epics. It is aisc
pictured on many temples from the 6th Century.
The eagle is a symbol of creative energy. Its principal color, gold
suggests the greatness of the nation. The black color represents
nature. There are 17 feathers on each wing, 8 on the tail and 45 on
the neck. These figures stand for the date of Indonesia's independence
proclamation: 17 August, 1945.
The motto. "Bhinneka Tunggal lka" (Unity in Diversity), is enshrined
on a banner held in the eagle's talons. This old Javanese motto was
introduced by Empu Tantular, a saint of the Majapahil Kingdom, in the
15th Century. It signifies the unity of the Indonesiar people despite
their diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The shield symbolizes self-defense in struggle and protection of
oneself. The red and white colors on the shield's background denote
the colors of the Indonesian national flag. The five symbols on the
shield represent the state philosophy of Pancasila, the foundation of
the Indonesian state.
The bar across the center indicates the equator which passes through
the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Halmahera. This is a
reminder of the fact that the Republic of Indonesia is the only
tropical country in which the people have built a free and sovereign
state by their own hands.
The golden star on the black background in the center of the shield
represents the first principle of Pancasila, belief in the One and
Only God. The chain symbolizes successive human generations. The round
links represent women and the square ones men. It is the symbol of the
second principle, just and civilized humanity. The "beringin." or
banyan tree, symbolizes the third principle, the unity on Indonesia.
The head of the "banteng," or wild bull (bosjavanicus), which is black
on a red background, represents the fourth principle, democracy guided
by the inner wisdom of deliberations of representatives. The fifth
principle, social justice for all Indonesian people, is symbolized by
the gold and white paddy and cotton ears.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
The national anthem is "Indonesia Raya," which means Great Indonesia.
The song was composed in 1928.
The colonial policy of the day was "divide and rule." It was a policy
that deliberately aggravated language, ethnic, cultural and religious
differences amongst the people.
The birth of Indonesia Raya marked the beginning of Indonesian
nationalist movements. The song was first introduced by its composer.
Wage Rudolf Supratman, at the second All Indonesian Youth Congress on
October 28, 1928 in Batavia, now Jakarta. It was. the moment when
Indonesian youth of different ethnic, language, religious and cultural
backgrounds resolutely pledged allegiance to:
1. One native land, Indonesia;
2. One nation, the Indonesian nation;
3. One unifying language, the Indonesian language.
Soon the national song, which called for the unity of Indonesia,
became popular. It was echoed at Indonesian political rallies, where
people stood in solemn observance. The song seriously aroused national
consciousness among the people throughout the archipelago.
STATE ORGANS
According to the 1945 Constitution there are six organs of the state:
1. The People's Consultative Assembly (Majelis Permusyawaratan
Rakyat).
2. The Presidency.
3. The House of Representatives (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat).
4. The Supreme Advisory Council (Dewan Pertimbangan Agung).
5. The State Audit Board (Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan).
6. The Supreme Court (Mahkamah Agung).
THE PEOPLE'S CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Article I of the 1945 Constitution states that Indonesia is a republic
with sovereignty vested in the people to be fully exercised by an
elected People's Consultative Assembly, which is the highest political
institution in the state. Since the Assembly holds the supremi power
in the state, the people voice their political and social aspira tions
through this body.
The major tasks of the Assembly are to sanction the Constitution
decide the Guidelines of State Policy, and elect the President and
Vice-President for a term of office of five years.
In relation to the Assembly, the President is its Mandatary and as
such, is accountable to the Assembly for the conduct of govern ment.
In the exercise of his duties, the President is assisted by tb
Vice-President.
The membership of the assembly's consists of the House member and
augmented by delegates of regions and groupings. The tota number of
MPR members is 700 comprising of 500 DPR members 135 delegates of
regions (five persons from each level I region) and 61 delegates of
groupings.
Based on Decree No. VII/MPR/1998, the Chairman of the People'
Consultative Assembly separates from Chairman of the House of
Representatives. He is assisted by five Vice-Chairmen. The electiol of
the Assembly's chairman is by consensus among members. Wher this is
imnossiblp voting maybe resorted to as provided for by the 1945
Constitution.
THE PRESIDENT AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
In the government system of Indonesia, the President is both head of
state and chief executive. He holds office for a term of five years
and is eligible for re-election. Since the President is also the
Mandala of the People's Consultative Assembly, he must execute his
duties in compliance with the Guidelines of State Policy as decreed by
the Assembly.
The National Unity Cabinet
Shortly after taking oath of office as the Fourth President 1999-2004,
K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid together with vice-president Megawati
Soekarnoputri formed a new cabinet which the President explained was a
national unity work team. The cabinet consist professionals from
various fields originating from the different parts of the country. On
October 26, President Abdurrahman Wahid announced the formation of the
35 members cabinet which comprise:
1. COORDINATING Minister for Politiral Affair and Security: General
Wiranto
2. Minister for Home Affairs: Lt. Gen. (ret) Surjadi Soedirdja
3. Minister for foreign Affairs: Aiwi Shihab
4. Minister for Defense: Juwono Sudarsono
5. Minister for Law and Legislation: Yusril lhza Mahendra
6. Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance and Industry: Kwik
Kian Gie
7. Minister for Finance: Bambang Sudibyo
8. Minister for Mines and Energy: Lt.Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
9. Minister for Industry and Trade: Yusuf Kalla
10. Minister for Agriculture: M. Prakosa
1 1.Minister for Forestry and Plantations: Nur Mahmudi Ismail
12. Minister for Transportation: Lt.gen. Agum Gumelar
13. Minister for Maritime Exploration: Sarwono Kusumaatmadja
14. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty
Eradication: Hamzah Haz
15. Minister for Manpower: Bomer Pasaribu
16. Minister for Health: Achmad Sujudi
17. Minister for National Education: Yahya Muhairnin
18. Minister for Religious Affairs: Tolchah Hasan
19. Minister for Settlement and Territorial Development: Erna Witoelar
20. State Minister for Research and Technology: A.S. Hikarn
21. State Minister for Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises:
Zarkasih Nur
22. State Minister for Environment: Soni Keraf
23. State Minister for Regional Autonomy: Ryaas Rasyid
24. State Minister for Tourism and Arts: Hidayat Jaelani
25. State Minister for Investment and State Enterprises Development:
Laksamana Sukardi
26. State Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports: Mahadi Sinambela
27. State Minister for Public Works: Rafik Boediro Soetjipto
28. State Minister for Women Affairs: Khofifah Indar Parawansa
29. State Minister for Human Rights Affairs: Hasballah M. Saad
30. State Minister for Transmigration and Population: Al Hilal Harndi
31. State Minister for State Administrative Reforms Rear Admiral
Freddy Numberi
32. State Minister for Social Affairs: Anak Agung Gde Agung
33. Attorney General: Marzuki Darusman
34. Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief: Admiral Widodo A.S.
35. State Secretary: Ali Rahman
The structure and organization of governmental departments are
uniform, as provided for in Presidential Decision No. 44 of 1974. This
requires that a government department shall consist of four
components, namely:
1. The leadership, which is in the hands of the minister
2. The administrative services headed by a secretary-general
3. The operational services, each headed by a director-general
4. The institutional control, to be exercised by an inspector-general.
As time has passed, the various government departments have expanded
in size and responsibilities to accommodate the rising demands
public administration. Hence, a fifth component has been added,
namely, a research and development division whose head has the same
rank as the other executives.
All these executives are appointed and dismissed by the President on
the recommendation of the minister. In the exercise of their duties,
however, they are answerable to the minister. They are guided by the
principles of coordination, integration and synchronization within
their own department as well as in relation to other departments and
institutions.
The secretariat-general is divided into bureaus with a maximum number
of five. Each directorate-general is divided into directorates
numbering no more than five, and the inspectorate-general is divided
into inspectorates, also numbering five at most. The research and
development division may have a number of centers, each with a
specific task in research and development to meet the growing
requirements of the department.
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The total membership of the House of Representatives is 500. It is
composed of:
a. 462 members representing the political organizations that take
part in the general election, i.e.:
b. 38 members appointed from the Armed Forces.
To determine the number of the elected members in the House, the
following procedure applies. Each elected member represents at least
400,000 citizens. Hence, if the population is estimated at
209,389,000 people, the total number of elected members is 425. (The
General Elections Institute).
During general elections the provinces form constituencies and are
entitled to representation by elected members, the number being
derived from the division of the provincial population by 400,000.
Provinces with very small populations are represented by a number of
elected members not less than the number of districts in the province
and each district shall have not less than one representative.
The System of Deliberation and Voting
Deliberations are held in the House to reach a consensus (mufakat) on
any question. In the event a consensus is not achieved, the matter is
referred to the Steering Committee. Should this Committee arrive at a
consensus, all members will be duly informed. In case of failure, the
matter is submitted to the plenary session of the House, which must
then decide whether the matter is to be put to a vote. postponed or
dropped altogether.
Voting requires the presence of all factions and a quorum of
two-thirds of the total membership of the house. Resolutions or
decisions are adopted by majority votes. Voting on nominations and
appointments is done by secret ballot: on any other matters, by a show
of hands. If a vote cannot be accomplished because a two-third's
quorum cannot be reached or because all factions are not present, the
matter is returned to the Steering Committee.
The annual session of the House starts on August 16 and ends on August
15 of the following year. Each session is divided into meetings
with intervals for recesses.
At the opening of each annual session of the House, the President
delivers his address of state. This is always on August 16. the day
before Indonesia's independence day commemoration. In the address the
President reviews the developments of the past year and outlines the
prospects for the coming year.
Law Making Process
The 1945 Constitution states that the House of Representatives is the
body of the State. The Government submits bills to the House for
consideration and approval, but members of the House can initiate
their own bills. Such bills must be accompanied by an explanatory
memorandum, signed by at least 30 members, and submitted to the
Speaker of the House. During the discussion of the proposed bill. the
initiating members may make alterations or withdraw it.
If the House passes the bill. it will become law when it has obtained
the signature of the President. By authority of the President, the
Minister/State Secretary will publish the Act in the State Gazette of
the Republic of Indonesia and henceforth the Act comes into force.
THE SUPREME ADVISORY COUNSIL
Following Article 16 of the 1945 Constitution and Act No. 3 of 1967 as
amended by Act No. 4 of 1978. the functions of the Supreme Advisory
Council are to answer any questions that the President may ask in
relation to the affairs of the State, including questions on
political. economic, socio-cultural and military affairs.
Conversely, the Council may submit recommendations or express its
views on any matter of national importance.
Members of the Council are nominated by the House and appointed by the
President for a term of five years. Certain set conditions must be met
to qualify for appointments.
The Council is headed by a Chairman and has four ViceChairmen and 45
members. The permanent committees of the Council are:
1. The political committee.
2. The economic, financial and industrial committee.
3. The committee on people's welfare.
4. The committee on defense and security.
THE SUPREME COURT
The Supreme Court is the judicial arm of the State and exists beside
the legislative and the executive branches. It enjoys an independent
status in the socio-political fabric. It was not until 1968 that the
restructuring of the Supreme Court was completed to meet the
conditions set out in the 1945 Constitution, i.e., to be free from
government intervention in the exercise of justice. In 1970 a law was
enacted that laid down the basic principle of Indonesia's judicial
powers.
THE STATE AUDIT BOARD
The functions of the State Audit Board are outlined in Article 23 of
the 1945 Constitution. Its main function is to conduct official
examinations of government financial accounts. The findings of the
Board are submitted to the House of Representatives, which approves
the government budget. In his annual state address on August 16, the
President reports to the House on the Government's performance during
the past fiscal year. Detailed accounts of government revenues and
expenditures and a full report on the progress achieved in development
and administration, are recounted in the supplement to the
presidential speech.
THE GOVERNMENT APPARATUS
A major concern of the Government has been the creation of an
efficient, clean and respectable administration on national and
regional level. This is understandable considering that the progress
achieved in national development has created considerable expansion in
government activities and responsibilities, and pressing public
demands for continuous improvements and streamlining of routine and
more often of development administration.
Government regulations that prove to be unnecessary red tape have been
abolished by deregulation and debureaucratization. However,
administrative reform that will achieve the ideal results is a long
and painstaking effort. Thus, preventive and repressive actions have
been and will continue to be taken until abuse of authority and
malpractice on the part of the state apparatus are reduced to a
minimum or. hopefully, eliminated.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
The structure and organization of local governments follow the pattern
of the national government. On the national level, .the President is
the Chief Executive and works with a cabinet of ministers. Next to the
national executive is the House of Representatives, with whom the
government enacts laws and determines the national
budget.
Similarly, the Governor is the Chief Executive in the province and
works with a staff of regional officials. Side by side is the
provincial legislative, with whom the regional government concurs on
regional legislation and decisions on the budget.
On the district (Kabupaten) and municipal (Kotamadya) levels, the
Chief Executives are respectively, the Bupati (district head) and
Walikota kodya (mayor). Again, the Bupati/Walikota kodya concurs with
the local legislative on matters relating to local government
regulation and the budget. Both provincial and district unicipality
governments are granted autonomy.
Where the President is the Head of State, the Governor is the Head of
the Province and concurrently represents the Central Government in his
region. Similarly, the Bupati/Walikota kodya is the Head of the
Kabupaten/kotamadya and concurrently represents the Governor in his
district/municipality.
The procedure of appointing a governor is as follows: The provincial
legislature elects two or three candidates. The election result is
reported to the national government, via the Minister of Home Affairs.
The winning candidate is then appointed Governor by the President on
the recommendation of the Minister.
In a similar way, the Kabupaten/kotamadya legislature elects two or
three candidates to be proposed to the Minister of Home Affairs. One
of these then is appointed Bupati/Walikota kodya, by the Minister on
the recommendation of the Governor.
Below the district municipal level the administrative units are not
autonomous. These are the Kecamatan, or Sub-District Administrations
and the Kelurahan, or the Village Administrations. The Kecamatan is an
administrative sub-division of the Kabupaten or Kotamadya. It is
headed by a Camat. The Kecamatan office is in charge of the
administration of the sub-district, social welfare and economic
affairs. Some national government departments have branches in the
Kecamatan office.
The system of village administration is not much different from that
of the Kecamatan. The Lurah, who heads the kelurahan, is assisted by a
secretary and section heads. Unlike the Kecamatan, however, national
government departments do not have branch offices in a Kelurahan. Both
the Camat and the Lurah are civil servants appointed on merit from the
ranks of local government officials.
In the Desa, or village, the administrative system is somewhat
different. The village head, is elected by the village's adult
population. The elected candidate is then appointed by the Bupati on
behalf of the governor. In the office of the village head there is a
secretary and several section heads. A unique feature of village life
is the Village Council of Elders, which is composed of 9 to 15
prominent village leaders. The Council makes decisions in concurrence
with the village head. In fact, this grass-roots level administration
of the village, with its indigenous system of democracy and mutual
help, was the inspiration of the founding fathers of the Republic when
they decided on the government as laid down in Pancasila and the 1945
Constitution.
The "Lembaga Ketahanan Masyarakat Desa" is a village organization
whose task is to promote socio-economic conditions so that the village
becomes a viable rural community. The organization is headed by the
Village Head or Lurah who is assisted by a secretary. Other members of
the organization are drawn from the village community.
Community living is fostered by two neighborhood organizations. "The
Rukun Tetangga" takes care of social and administrative matters of a
neighborhood, such as the registration of families, security, garbage
collection, etc. "The Rukun Warga" is the coordinating organization of
a number of Rukun Tetangga. Both these organizations are voluntary and
non-formal and mainly designed to assist in the work of Lurah/village
head.
Regional Finance
The budget for regional administration and development is composed of
the following:
a. Budget allocation from the Central Government to Local
Governments.
b. Central Government grants to Local Governments.
c. Taxes collected by Local Governments with the approval of the
Central Government.
d. Corporate profits of Local Government enterprises.
e. Credits secured by Local Governments.
Administrative Division Regions
The Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is divided into 27
provinces which are sub-divided into 243 districts, 55
municipalities.16 admin'strative unicipalities, 35 administrative
cities, and 3,841 sub-distr";ts or kecamatans.
Three of the provinces are special territories, namely the Capital
City of Jakarta, the Special Territory of Yogyakarta, and the Special
Territory of Aceh. Villages are classified into desas or rural
villages and kelurahans or urban villages. The head of a desa, is
elected by the village community, whereas the head of a kelurahan
which is called lurah, is a civil servant appointed by a camat or head
of a subdistrict on behalf of the governor.
INDONESIA'S FOREIGN POLICY
THE PRINCIPLES OF THE FOREIGN POLICY
The principles underlying Indonesia's foreign policy were expounded
for the first time by Mohammad Hatta on September 2, 1948 at
Yogyakarta in Central Java.
In a session of the Working Group of the Central National Committee of
Indonesia (KNPI), the forerunner of the Indonesian Parliament,
Vice-President Hatta, concurrently Prime Minister and Minister of
Defense of the young Republic, clarified the Government's stand on
various domestic and international issues. Refuting the premise of the
People's Democratic Front of the Indonesian Communist Party, that in
the Cold War between Russia and America the best foreign policy for
Indonesia would be to side with Russia, Hatta stated: "Do we,
Indonesians, in the struggle for the freedom of our people and our
country, only have to choose between Russia and America? Is not there
any other stand that we can take in the pursuit of our ideals?"
"The Government is of the firm opinion that the best policy to adopt
is one which does not make us the object of an international conflict.
On the contrary, we must remain the subject who reserves the right to
decide our own destiny and fight for our own goal, which is
independence for the whole of Indonesia." (Mohammad Hatta,
"MendayungAntara Dua Karang," 1976).
The above statement was an indication of the policy Indonesia would
take in international relations, which later became known as
"mendayung antara dua karang" (rowing between two reefs).
THE INDEPENDENT AND ACTIVE FOREIGN POLICY
These principles are the foundation of Indonesia's foreign policy,
which is independent and active.
The policy is independent because Indonesia does not side with world
powers. As a matter of principle, so doing would be incompatible with
the country's national philosophy and identity as implied in
Pancasila.
The foreign policy is active to the extent that Indonesia does not
maintain a passive or reactive stand on international issues but seeks
active participation in their settlement. In other words, Indonesia's
independent and active policy is not a neutral policy, but it is one
that does not align Indonesia with the super powers nor does it bind
the country to any military pact. Essentially, it is a policy designed
to serve the national interest while simultaneously allowing Indonesia
to cooperate with other nations to abolish colonialism and imperialism
in all their forms and manifestations for the sake of world peace and
social justice. This explains why Indonesia was one of the founding
members of the Non-Aligned Movement.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
Any country's foreign policy is a reflection of its national
aspirations vis-a-vis the rest of the world. It is a component of the
country's geopolitical strategy. Based on these premises, the primary
objectives of Indonesia's foreign policy are:
a. To support the national development with priority on economic
development, as set out in the Five-Year Development Plans:
b. To preserve internal and regional stability conducive to national
development;
c. To protect the territorial integrity of Indonesia and safeguard
the people's place of abode.
HUMAN RIGHTS (HAM)
In compliance with the development and fast change in international
constellation after the cold war, and in accordance with the
recommendation of the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Action Programs, and
also the outcome of the Second National Workshop on Human rights,
organized by the Indonesian Government, the National Commission on
Human Rights (KOMNAS HAM) and the United Nations in 1994, Indonesia
has produced the National Action Plan for (RAN-HAM) for 1998 to 2003.
The action plan was designed by the Inter-Ministerial Permanent
Committee on Human Rights, established in 1991, together with
KOMNAS-HAM, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the focal-point.
Its activities focus on four main pillars, namely: (1) Ratification of
international instruments in the field of Human Rights; (2)
Dissemination and education of Human Rights; (3) The Human Rights
problems which have been given priority to be solved, especially the
problems relating to non-derogable rights, the violation of which
could ruin the national image easily: (4) The implementation of the
ratified international Human Rights Conventions.
President Habibie, in line with the serious efforts of the Government
to advance and protect Human Rights officially, proclaimed RAN-HAM on
June 25, 1998. RAN-HAM contains the real steps for the furtherance and
observance of Human Rights implemented on the national level for the
period of 5 (five) years. Then RAN-HAM was installed by Presidential
Decree No. 129 on August 15, 1998 and the National Committee of
RAN-HAM was formed to carry out the RAN-HAM programs.
In accordance with the first pillar of the National Plan for Human
Rights in Indonesia, ratified the convention against tortures and
other treatments or and punishments which are cruel, inhumane or
perogatory to the human dignity by Law No. 5 on September 28, 1998. On
April 16, 1999 the Plenary Session of the House of Representatives
approved the Bill for the ratification of the convention for
eradication of all kinds of racial discrimination which is awaiting
Presidential approval. At the moment preparation is underway for the
ratification of the international convention concerning economic,
social, and cultural rights. Relating to reporting, the Government has
formed a Task Force. Its first duty is prepare a report on the
convention against cortures, which to be conveyed to the Committee of
Anti -Torture on November 26, 1999.
In the framework of implementing the RAM-HAM, Indonesia has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Project Document concerning
Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights with the UN High
Commissioner on Human Rights (KTHAM-PBB), on August 13, 1998 and March
4, 1999 respectively. Indonesia has also accepted an offer of
technical cooperation in the field of Human Rights from foreign
countries, among others Australia, Sweden, Canada and Norway.
In the field of Manpower, in 1998 Indonesia ratified ILO Convention
No. 87 concerning the Freedom of association and protection for rights
to establish organization, with Presidential Decision No. 83 on June
5, 1998. In 1999, Indonesia ratified three other ILO conventions,
namely: ILO Convention number 105 on Abolition of Servitude: ILO
Convention number 138 on Minimum Wage: and ILO Convention number III
on Abolition of Job Discrimination.
INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGO SEA LANES (ALKI)
Indonesia's struggle for international recognition on archipelagic
concept has succeeded by the acceptance and incorporation of the
Archipelagic State principle in Chapter IV of UN Convention concerning
Law of the Sea of 1982. However, Indonesia has to consider and
recognize the rights of other states, especially for the passage of
military ships/sea fleet through Indonesian waters, particularly
through the regions which are usually used for international shipping.
This concession is given by an archipelagic state in the form of
archipelagic sea lanes as mentioned in Article 53 of the Convention.
To comply with the above stipulation through the International
Maritime Organization situated in London, has Indonesia proposed sea
lanes of the Indonesia archipelago consisting of three NorthSouth
ALKI, namely ALKI I, ALKJ II and ALKI III which in the southern part
have three branches, namely ALKI III-A, III-B and III-C.
The archipelagic sea lanes passing through the Indonesian sea
territory are:
ALKI I : Sunda Strait-Karimata Strait-Natuna Sea-South China Sea.
ALKI II : Lombok Strait-Makasar Strait-Sulawesi Sea.
ALKI III-A : Sawu Sea-Ombai Strait-Banda Sea (Western part of Buru
lsland)-Seram Sea (Eastern part of Mongole 1sland)-Maluku Sea-Pacific
Ocean.
ALKI III-B : Timor Sea-Leti Strait-Banda Sea (Western part of Buru
lsland)-Seram Sea (Eastern part of Mongole Island) -Maluku Sea-Pacific
Ocean.
ALKI III-C : Arafuru Sea-Banda Sea (Western part of Buru
lsland)-Seram Sea (Eastern part of Mongole Island)-Maluku
Sea-Pacific Ocean.
The background of the proposal of the three ALKIs is based on the
consideration of various sectoral interest as well as defense and
security, hydro-oceanographic and natural aspects of each ALKI;
the problems of marine environment and marine conservation areas,
exploration and natural resources exploitation (oil and gas), fish
catching: the importance and safety of national shipping and aviation;
the existence of submarine pipes and cables; and the importance of
international marine traffics through the Indonesian territorial
waters.
In the effort to establish ALKI, Indonesia has held a series of
informal meetings with several big countries that use the archipelagic
sea lanes in the Indonesian territorial waters, such as the United
States of America. Australia, Japan and England. In accordance with
the results of the meetings, in 1995, the Indonesian government
approached the International Organization concerned, namely IMO. Based
on IMO suggestion, the Indonesian government then approached the
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to discuss ALKI symbols
that would be used in the shipping map.
On national level, the Indonesian government has also done a series of
important activities, among others establishing the starting lines of
the Indonesian archipelago and the coordinates of the three ALKI's.
Considering that ALKI must be established in the territorial waters of
the archipelago, the Indonesian government has readjusted its
archipelagic starting lines in the Natuna Sea that is passed by ALKI-I
by incorporating a half of the Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE) in that
area as archipelagic territorial waters. The readjustment of the
starting lines in the Natuna Sea is enacted by Government Regulation
No 61/1998 and has been translated into English and submitted to IMO.
In compliance with the results of meeting and approaches and the
series of activities to prepare a proposal plan for the establishment
of the starting lines, on August 30. 1996, the Indonesian government
officially submitted the proposal for the establishment of the three
ALKIs to be discussed in the 67'h meeting of Maritime Safety Committee
(MSC) - IMO in 1996.
After long discussion and debate with the main user countries of ALKI.
namely the United States of America. Australia. Japan and England in
that meeting, and approaches to the neighboring countries such as
Singapore. Malaysia and Thailand, an agreement was reached between
Indonesia and the main user countries about the stipulation of Rights
and Obligations of Foreign Ships in ALKI (19 stipulation) that must be
observed and obeyed by ships that pass ALKI. Finally, the
establishment of three North-West ALKI was adopted by the 69'1'
Plenary Session of IMO in London on May 19. 1998. To this regard,
Indonesia became the first country which established its archipelagic
sea territory based on the stipulation of the Marine Law Convention of
1982.
In accordance with the 69th MSC results, in the framework of
establishing ALKI internationally, the Indonesian government will
enact it in the national regulation and submit to IMO to be announced.
In this connection, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the
coordinator of ALKI matters that have international dimension, has
coordinated with the Ministry of Justice and agreed that the
establishment of ALKI and the stipulations of Rights and Obligations
of Foreign Ships in ALKI will be enacted in government regulation that
is being prepared by the Ministry of Justice.
The ALKI acceptance by IMO gives the Indonesian government further
task to introduce ALKI in national level to institutions/related
parties.
ASEAN
In 1998. significant progress took place in South East Asia region.
where ASEAN remained one the pillar of Indonesian foreign policy. In
1998, the 10"' ASEAN vision was realized, which is the aspiration of
the Bangkok Declaration in 1967. The 10'h ASEAN vision came true when
ASEAN leaders agreed to accept Cambodia as full member of ASEAN in the
6'h ASEAN Summit Meeting in December 1998 in Hanoi. Vietnam. The
acceptance ceremony of Cambodia as an ASEAN member countries was done
in a special meeting of ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers quite
recently.
The 31th Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Affairs Ministers in Manila on 24-25
July 1998 discussed important problems which were compiled in a Joint
Communique that consisted of the statement of ASEAN Foreign Affairs
Ministers about the crisis in the region matters of the Second
Protocol to ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation/TAC; nuclear test
by India and Pakistan: matters on Cambodia; the approaches
relationship among ASEAN members countries: and the preparations of
the implementation of the 6th ASEAN Summit Meeting. On this occasion,
the Ministers of Foreign Affairs signed the Second Protocol that gives
access to other countries outside ASEAN to TAG.
According to plan, the Sixth ASEAN Summit Meeting was convened in
Hanoi. Vietnam on December 15-16, 1998. This ASEAN Summit had a
strategic meaning because this was the last ASEAN Summit before the
21st century. At this opportunity, the leader of ASEAN approved three
documents that could help ASEAN recover from the monetary crisis and
restore the economic growth of each country. The documents the meeting
has yielded the Hanoi Declaration (Hanoi Summit Declaration), the
Hanoi Plan of Action, and ASEAN Statement on Bold Measures.
Through the Hanoi Declaration, the leaders of ASEAN clarified their
commitment to strengthen economic integration among the members as a
proof of cooperation spirit and solidarity. For that reason. ASEAN
would try immediately to make efforts to recover the macro economy and
monetary stability, economic recovery, and to maintain a sustained
economic growth.
Meanwhile, the Hanoi Plan of Action is the clarification of ASEAN 2020
vision and the ASEAN determination to strengthen macroeconomy and
financial cooperation by maintaining regional macroeconomy and
finance: strengthening the financial system: improving liberalization
of the cooperation financial service sector; intensifying finance,
taxes and insurance, and the development of ASEAN capital market.
Efforts for a closer economic integration improvement will be done
through the acceleration of the implementation of AFTA, ASEAN
International Cooperation Scheme (AICO), ASEAN Investment Area (AIA),
service trade liberalization: the improvement of food, agriculture and
forestry safety: the intensification of industrial cooperation: the
strengthening of small and medium companies: the expansion of
cooperation on the Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI): the
improvement of ASEAN tourism: and the development of regional
infrastructures.
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