Indonesia Evaluates Membership in International Organizations

Jakarta, 23 Rabiul Awwal 1438/23 December 2016 (MINA) – The Indonesian government is  now evaluating its memberships in 75 international organizations for a number of reasons, one of which the efficiency of the state budget.

“We will come out from an international organisation when it comes to the efficiency of the state budget,” said Cabinet Secretary Pramono Agung after a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Thursday.

According to Pramono, President Joko Widodo has ordered the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security affairs, Wiranto and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi as well as some related ministers to conduct the evaluation.

He explained that Indonesia is currently becoming the member of 233 international organizations, of which 112 of them are strategic and permanent, so the memberships should be continued. Then, 46 organisations that are technical in nature requiring its continuation.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said there were three principles applied in determining the membership in international organizations. The principle of expediency in terms of political, economic, social and cultural aspect. Then aspects of availability of budget from the state and aspects of organizational goals.

The Foreign Ministry noted that there are three new international organizations with which Indonesia is active.

Retno explained that not all of the memberships is being run by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but there are a number of other ministries also play the role.

“It is not finalized yet how many membership that will be maintained and stopped. We still have a meeting on that matter,” said the Foreign Minister, adding that the government will also seek increased participation in some organizations. (L/P02/R07)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)