REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian and Norwegian governments jointly held the 12th Human Rights Dialog in a bid to intensify cooperation to promote and protect human rights.
"We are glad that today we held the 12th Human Rights Dialog after an interlude. Norway is the first country to hold a human rights dialog with Indonesia. Norway is also the only country that continues to promote a human rights dialog with Indonesia," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated here on Monday.
According to Foreign Minister Retno, the last human rights dialog was held in Jakarta in 2012 and has continued to be carried out until now as it is important and beneficial for enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
"Both countries are strongly committed to enhancing cooperation to promote and protect human rights. This is another element due to which dialog has continued until today," Retno affirmed.
Retno believes that the two countries need to align the agenda of the RI-Norway human rights dialog to the current human rights issues to focus on specific related challenges faced by both countries.
"Several conflicts and wars are going on across the world, which have the potential to trigger a humanitarian crisis, and even the basic human rights are still not being fulfilled. Democracy does not apply in several countries. The values of pluralism, tolerance, and moderation are being overlooked, which might trigger intolerance, violence, and radicalism," Retno added.
Hence, Indonesia has made constant efforts to promote tolerance and moderation, as well as democracy and its application in responding to human rights issues and challenges.
"However, the government cannot work alone; hence, we are forging cooperation with several stakeholders, including religious leaders, academics, youth, media, private sector, and members of the civil society," the minister remarked.
Retno also pointed out that no single country would be able to overcome all challenges and problems related to human rights and emphasized that international cooperation was the need of the hour.
"Dialog and cooperation between both nations is part of Indonesia's efforts to promote and protect human rights. Under the administration of President Jokowi, Indonesia has constantly demonstrated its strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights," Retno affirmed.
On the occasion, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende stated that despite their geographical, historical, and cultural differences, both nations were still able to collaborate well.
"Indonesia today is very different. The political situation in the country is very conducive. Indonesia is a key player in the ASEAN region," Minister Brende added.
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