KEDUTAAN BESAR REPUBLIK INDONESIA
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
8 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla, Canberra, A.C.T. 2600
AUSTRALIA

---

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

No. 78/PR/XI/2004

 

Joint Media Statement- South-West Pacific Dialogue

 

Today we held a very constructive and productive meeting of South-West Pacific Dialogue (SWPD) Ministers - involving Foreign Minister Downer from Australia (chair), Foreign Minister Wirajuda from Indonesia, Foreign Minister Goff from New Zealand, Foreign Secretary Romulo from the Philippines, Foreign Minister Ramos-Horta from Timor Leste and Minister for Internal Security Kimisopa from Papua New Guinea.

Ministers conveyed their condolences to the Government and people of the Philippines about the devastation caused by Typhoon Winnie. The meeting welcomed Australia's commitment of A$ 500,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to provide relief to the victims of the disaster. .

Ministers underlined the importance of continuing dialogue and people-to-people contact among participating countries. To advance closer cooperation between SWPD members, Indonesia has instituted an art and cultural scholarship program. The meeting welcomed this initiative. The meeting also explored other activities that would have a positive impact on the way peoples perceive one another through, among other things, promoting contact among parliamentarians and the media.

We noted with great satisfaction the common commitment of participating countries to democratic principles. We agreed to work together and through regional forums to strengthen further the role of democracy in regional societies.

The meeting also welcomed an innovative approach to empower religious moderates through the convening of an Interfaith Dialogue in Yogyakarta on 56 December 2004, sponsored by Indonesia and Australia and involving delegations from all SWPD countries, among others. The meeting underlined the importance of building further on this initiative in order to cover a wider spectrum of participants. In this context, Ministers welcomed the adoption of a United Nations resolution, initiated by the Philippines and supported by all SPWD countries, to promote interfaith dialogue among nations. Ministers were keen that this Dialogue highlight for all our communities the shared values of the religions in the Asia-Pacific region. The Dialogue could become part of an ongoing process to address the conditions that foster terrorism.

We agreed that terrorism continues to pose a serious and major threat to the region - despite counter-terrorism successes, regional terrorist groups are resilient and are planning further attacks. Particular concern was expressed at the movement of terrorists between some countries in the region. Impeding this movement will be critical to further success in the regional counter terrorism effort. The need for enhanced law enforcement, border and transport security cooperation to thwart possible terrorist attacks and terrorist movements, and to combat other security challenges such as smuggling of people, goods and arms, money laundering and piracy was also emphasised.

All Ministers reaffirmed their countries' commitment to cooperate closely to combat terrorism. We also noted that the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) - a joint Indonesia-Australia initiative, supported by other regional countries - was a key mechanism for increasing regional counter-terrorism capacity and improving regional coordination. The meeting welcomed the announcement today that Australia - through the Australian Federal Police - will make a commitment to fund positions on future JCLEC courses for law enforcement officers from the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste.

We agreed that maritime security, border control and environmental safety need to be addressed continually to maintain peace and safe navigation in the important sea lanes and shipping routes found in the sub-region.

The meeting also discussed the significant development challenges facing the sub--region and the need to produce sustained and broad-based economic growth to address the issue of poverty. The meeting discussed the importance of development cooperation between SWPD countries, including in the areas of fisheries, agriculture and SMEs etc.

We also discussed the major problem posed by increasing rates of HIV in the sub-region. High levels of HIV prevalence undermine security and economic gains. More information is required to understand better the likely impact of HIV/AIDS on the sub-region, and today Mr. Downer announced that Australia would work with SWPD countries to undertake a further study- including on the nature of the epidemiological, social and economic risks and vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS - to enhance our responses to this serious issue.

Indonesia will host the next meeting in New York in 2005. The 2006 meeting will be hosted by the Philippines in the Philippines.

 

Victor Harbor, 3 December 2004