Government Remains Uncertain on Proliferation Security Initiative
Tuesday, 13 June, 2006 | 14:03 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The Indonesian Government has not decided whether or not to cooperate with the US Government in preventing the spread of mass destructive weapons in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). “There isn't any final decision,” said Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat, the Indonesian Ambassador for the United States, after a meeting with the Department of Defense officials yesterday.

Sudjadnan confirmed that Indonesia should collaborate with other countries to prevent the spread of mass destructive weapons. “But we need to evaluate every aspect as to how cooperation will be arranged.”

One of the aspects concerns Indonesia's position as an archipelago. The point of the agreement is preventing the spread of mass destructive weapons by intercepting or exchanging information concerning ships suspected of carrying mass destructive weapons.

As an archipelago, Indonesia is bound by various international maritime laws. “We must consider whether or not to join PSI. If we do, what will we accept? What about our position on the Convention of the Law of the Sea and as an archipelago? These are not yet decided,” Sudjadnan added.

He has also said that one of Indonesia's anxieties as regards the agreement will be permitting the United States to enter Indonesian territories in order to prevent the spread of these weapons. “But (the anxiety) could only be an assumption,” he said.

Sudjadnan explained the reasons for the government delaying its signing the agreement. According to Sudjadnan, foreign affairs policies are not simply black or white. “Refuse or accept—no. It will shorten the options,” he said. Foreign affairs policies must be weighed with the relationship with all countries, not only ‘refuse’ or ‘accept.’

Juwono Sudarsono, the Minister of Defense, acknowledged last Thursday (8/6) that the cooperation with PSI is triggered by the 11/9 terror attack. However, Juwono added, Indonesia ought to re-evaluate the agreement since there are matters in PSI that can be harmful for Indonesia.

Abdullah Toha, a member of Commission I at DPR, said that PSI is against international law. “We can only cooperate multilaterally, not bilaterally, in terms of nuclear prevention,” he said.

If Indonesia signs the PSI, the United States will possibly ask the TNI Commander to intercept suspected ships which pass over Indonesian seas. If there is no proof after the interception, the ship is entitled to ask a US$1 million compensation. “Who will pay the fine?” Toha queried.

Dimas Adityo, Rieka Rahadiana