REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesian will focus on maintain stability in its foreign policy in 2013 to anticipate the uncertain international condition. Preserving peace, security, stability, and prosperity are the main concerns in Asia Pacific.
"Throughout 2012, international situation has been challenging, such as in Middle East, Libya, Syria, and Palestine," Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Marty Natalegawa, said on Friday.
Territorial disputes South China Sea, China and Japan, and Japan and Korea, are still haunting the region. Natalegawa believes that Indonesian diplomatic step has an important role on making resolution in international and regional problems.
"We must ensure that Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia is in stable and conducive situation," he said. He added that global economy suffered uncertainty. Thus, Indonesia must maintain economic resilient.
As a chairman of Asia and Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2013, Indonesia uses 'Resilient Asia Pacific: the Engine of Global Growth' as the theme for upcoming APEC Summit. "Amid uncertain global condition, Asia can sustain its position. Asia is expected to be the engine for global growth," Natalegawa said.
Indonesia has three main priorities for APEC. The first priority is continuing Bogor Goals' documents generated in APEC Summit 1994. Bogor Goals have become the guidelines for the development of economic cooperation among APEC members.
Secondly, Indonesia prioritizes on achieving sustainable growth with equity. The most important points in the second priority is to reach financial inclusive and food security.
Lastly, Indonesia hopes to promote connectivity. "APEC is very expansive. The main contributor of APEC is to promote connectivity. We will develop blue economy," he explained.
Meanwhile, western countries including United States has shifted its diplomatic resources from Europe to Asia, including South East Asia. Indonesia finds this condition as an opportunity.
“Globalization is a fact of life and it is inevitable. And we can choose either the winner or the loser,” Natalegawa said. Therefore, Indonesia must create a “home” for such opportunity to become the winner.
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