Indonesia lends support to Philippines peace process

For the second year in a row, Jakarta sent observers to southern Philippines as part of an international contingent monitoring ceasefire between the rebels and government troops.

By Andhika Bhakti for Khabar Southeast Asia in Jakarta

July 19, 2013
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Indonesia has sent a fresh contingent of observers to join the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the southern Philippines, demonstrating its commitment to strong ties with its neighbour and regional peace.

  • Indonesian Ambassador to Manila Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo (left) and Teresita Deles (second from left), Philippine presidential adviser on the peace process, welcome the first Indonesian contingent to the International Monitoring Team (IMT) at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila on July 1st, 2012. Indonesia sent a second, replacement team earlier this month. [Jay Directo/AFP]

    Indonesian Ambassador to Manila Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo (left) and Teresita Deles (second from left), Philippine presidential adviser on the peace process, welcome the first Indonesian contingent to the International Monitoring Team (IMT) at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila on July 1st, 2012. Indonesia sent a second, replacement team earlier this month. [Jay Directo/AFP]

Ten members of the military and five civilian observers arrived at IMT headquarters in Cotabato City, Mindanao on July 3rd, replacing an Indonesian Observer Team (TPI) that completed its turn of duty in late June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Indonesia's participation in the IMT is part of its efforts to promote international dialogue and peace, and to strengthen ties with the Philippines, Arko Hananto Budiadi, the ministry's acting director general for multilateral affairs, told a ceremony for the two contingents in Jakarta on July 1st.

The IMT monitors a ceasefire between the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and follows up on implementation of humanitarian, development, and civilian protection components of the ongoing peace process between the two sides.

"Indonesia's participation is based on its commitment to work for the area in a way that is safe, fair, and peaceful," Arko said.

Proudly representing Indonesia

Members of the Indonesian team will be posted in Cotabato City, Iligan City, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, and Davao City.

They are part of a 55-member international force that also includes 19 Malaysians, 15 Bruneians, and two each from Japan, Norway and the European Union.

In a speech at the Ministry on July 1st, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa identified three important goals in sending the team to the Philippines: to continue to promote ties with the Philippines, to encourage the creation of a comprehensive peace plan in the region, and to disseminate dialogue and peace at the international level.

"Although the mandate is certainly not easy, we believe that we will be proudly presenting our nation's willingness for peace," Marty said.

A long-term commitment

"We are really pleased to hear the news that the peace efforts will be continuing between the [Philippine Government] and MILF. We hope with some help from its neighbours like Indonesia and Malaysia, the situation in Mindanao will improve," said Antonio Fernando, a Filipino studying at Atmajaya University in Jakarta.

"We need a mediator to finish these long conflicts," he added.

The Malaysian-led IMT has been in operation since 2004. Indonesia first joined in July 2012, but it has a long history of commitment to peace in the Philippines.

In 1996, Indonesia facilitated the achievement of a final peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Indonesia now chairs an Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) committee on peace in the Philippines and is heading up its review of the 1996 peace deal.

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    • Arie
      July 21, 2013 @ 11:07:24AM
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