Page 362 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

The use of sea-lanes as the connecting pathway between nations also has the consequences of
non-traditional maritime security threats, such as piracy and armed robbery, illegal fishing,
people smuggling, and terrorism. This is one of the issue that is very dear to us since Indonesia
is an archipelagic nation and among the busiest shipping lanes in the world. We are in pursuit of
keeping order at sea through active engagement in various bilateral, regional and multilateral
forums. Indonesia has also a leading role in enhancing maritime cooperation within the Indian
Ocean Rim Association (IORA) framework.

Another looming threat for global stability is related to cyber security, as our world today is
shaped by the advent of technology and innovation over the cyberspace. The growth of online
users drives more innovation in this realm of technology. However, if goes ungoverned, the
cyberspace may become a breeding ground to spread fear, hatred, and false news.

One of the global security issues that is continue to be the main focus for Indonesia’s foreign
policy is the issue of Palestine. Our unwavering support for the Palestinian people is based in
our national constitution, which we condemn any colonization in every place of the earth. It is
in the heart of our foreign policy that we should take an active part in the maintaining of the
world order based on freedom, perpetual peace and social justice. While we are on the subject
of independence and freedom, lest we forget that in some parts of the world there are minorities
that are being denied of their fundamental rights. Systematic persecution and discrimination
to minorities such as Rohingya and Uyghurs are currently taking place, and made them living
under fear. The UN human rights panel in the last quarter of 2018 estimates that two million
Uighurs and Muslim minorities have been forced into “political camps for indoctrination” in
the western Xinjiang autonomous region. This is happening right in front of our eyes amid the
slow progress of ensuring the unconditional and safe return of the Rohingya to their homeland
in Myanmar.

The question we should ask ourselves is how we can contribute to the international architecture
of peace and security?

I believe, parliamentarian can contribute through various constructive ways in both conflict
and post conflict situations.

First, in a conflict situation, parliament could act as agent of peace and security. Parliament has
important role to translating international commitment into national legislation and overseeing
fulfilment of government’s commitment to international treaties. Parliament could become the
representative of their community and striving toward peace accord and its implementation.

Second, in a post-conflict situation, parliament plays a significant role together with
government to sustain peace and lay the foundation of sustainable development. To a large
extent, involvement of parliament will safeguard the principle of inclusivity in the atmosphere
of democracy. Involvement of the representatives of people is a key to ensure that all

Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia I 349