REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia has the potential to have a major influence on the international level in the fields of international security, human rights, regionalism, and international law enforcement, claimed a foreign envoy.
"Indonesia has become the leader in promoting Southeast Asian regional security, and now, is the right time for the country to increase its influence on the global level," European Union Ambassador to Indonesia Olof Skoog stated here on Tuesday.
Speaking at a seminar on "Indonesia-EU Relations" organized by The Habibie Center, Skoog emphasized that Indonesia has played a major role in the field of human rights and democracy to change the militaristic and authoritarian country of Myanmar to a nation that respects the aspirations of its civilian community.
Therefore, the EU envoy encouraged Indonesia to create a democratic society both in the ASEAN and international regions.
Regarding the issue of regionalism, Indonesia has been viewed by the European Community as a successful country, which has helped to create regional stability by becoming an initiator for the establishment of ASEAN and maintaining peace and security amid the South China Sea dispute.
According to Skoog, regionalism has helped to create unity among political and economic institutions, which comprises several countries, as it happened in Europe.
Further, he shared his viewpoint that Indonesia can also play an important role in national security if the country initiates military cooperation with the European Union.
"The international world is facing a serious challenge in terms of security, particularly ship piracy in Somalia, and thus, Indonesia's military role is needed in this case," he pointed out.
Skoog also called on Indonesia to promote international law enforcement, which is under threat by the Russian action in Ukraine.
"The crisis in Ukraine is not a cold war between the West and Russia, but a violation of international law that can happen in any country," Skoog reiterated.
He voiced his concern that if the violation of international law is ignored, the ASEAN member countries may face a similar situation as Ukraine in the future.
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