RESPONSE AND SOLUTION TO THE INCIDENT

Name               :

Reg. No           : 316231485

RESPONSE AND SOLUTION TO THE INCIDENT OF PULAU BINTAN

Assalamu’alaikum Wr.Wb

Honorable, Mr. Reko Serasi

Ladies and Gentlemen

            May God bless us.

In this opportunity, I will begin this speech, by showing the relation between Indonesia and Malaysia. If we scope the relation between Indonesia and Malaysia is really wide. And all of it, related to national interest and prosperity of people.

First, Indonesia and Malaysia have a relationship in history, culture and kinship that very close and perhaps the most closely compared to other countries, and this has been existed for hundreds years. We have an historic responsibility, to maintain and continue this kinship.

Secondly, relations between Indonesia and Malaysia is an important pillar in the great ASEAN family. ASEAN could grow exponentially over the last four decades, partly because the sturdy foundation of bilateral relations between Indonesia - Malaysia.

Thirdly, there are about 2 million of our people who worked in Malaysia - in companies, in agriculture, and in variety of jobs. This is the number of Indonesian workers overseas greatest. Of course, the presence of Indonesian workers in Malaysia brings mutual benefits, both Indonesia and Malaysia.

However, this special relationship is also very complex. This relationship is not free of problems and challenges. There is a kind of proposition diplomacy, getting closer the relationship between two countries, more and more problems would be faced.

The problems and challenges we faced are related to Indonesian workers in Malaysia. We know that there are 2 million Indonesian workers in Malaysia, in addition to providing mutual benefits, also gave rise to the cases on the ground that we must continue to manage. Therefore, our ex-president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was working hard to fight for the rights of Indonesian Workers, that is concerning of salary and time off; provide legal protection, and establish a school for children of Indonesian Workers.

That was proved went SBY visit Malaysia on 2009. His visit had reached an agreement regarding our labors rights protections in Malaysia. Related with the legal issues faced by Indonesian workers in Malaysia, the government actively take steps legal assistance and advocacy, to ensure our people get justice in truth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Besides the issue of immigrant workers and the protection of the citizen, we also often encounter problems associated with the border between two countries. This problem requires serious management from both sides.

On 13^th August of 2010, Indonesia and Malaysia relation was tested by an incident near Bintan Island. Several Indonesia marine police was arrested by Malaysia’s marines because of misunderstanding. This incident have been made a widespread concern of the people of Indonesia. And now, I’ll explain about the real problem and actions that have been taken by government.

President SBY received a report regarding this incident  a day after the incident he immediately give various instructions. First, he asked that three marines returned immediately to Indonesia unharmed. Second, he also ordered to investigate what really happened in the incident. Soon after, the Coordinating Minister for politics and foreign minister took action quickly, to manage the handling of the incident by taking the necessary steps. In this regard, Mr. President have sent a letter to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, which in essence expressed deep concern over the incident. I also encourage the maritime boundary negotiations process can be accelerated and completed. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has summoned the Malaysian ambassador in Jakarta to deliver a letter of protest.

Minister of Foreign Affairs has also conducted intensive communication with the Foreign Minister of Malaysia. In the process, three Marine and Fisheries Ministry officers now have been returned to their homeland. According to them, the government of Indonesia  received information about inappropriate treatment experienced by them. Therefore, the Indonesian government requested an explanation for the truth of this information. Through diplomatic channels, there was information that the Malaysian Government is currently investigating the matter about treatment of three marine officers.

Brothers and Sisters

Learning from this experience, the Indonesian government argues that the most appropriate solution to prevent and cope with similar incidents is to solve boundary negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia. The negotiations concerning the boundaries of land and maritime borders, including in the area of the Straits of Singapore and Sulawesi waters, or Ambalat.

Government argues that the negotiations concerning the boundary of this region can be accelerated and more effective the implementation of it. Everything is departing from the intention and good purpose, so that similar incidents that disturb good relations between two nations can be prevented.

Brothers and sisters.

State sovereignty and territorial integrity is a vital national interest. The government is also deeply understand that interests, and continue to work in earnest to maintain and enforce it. However, not all problems that arise in relations with other countries is always linked to the sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, we must be able to assess properly any problems that arise, that mean the solution must be right.

Nonetheless, any small problems that arise in the bilateral relationship, will be settled in order to support our national interests. We must always maintain the image and our identity as a dignified nation in establishing international relations, without losing the basic principles of foreign policy that are independent and active, and dedicated to the interests of our nation.

Ladies and gentlemen

The way we handle the relationship between Indonesia - Malaysia will be listened to and followed by other countries in the asia region, even by the international community. So far as the Founder of ASEAN, Indonesia is often used as an example in the resolve various conflicts in the region, as well as in the other hemisphere. Therefore, let us share the same struggle our national interests, character and constructive international role, and with a passion to preserve peace, that we kept.

Last, an incident that occurred between Indonesia and Malaysia have recently We hope that government can settle it. And continue to promote Malaysia to completely resolve the boundary negotiations that often lead to incidents and tensions. Thus, by averted the tensions and conflicts that are not necessary, We sure the problems, good relations and bilateral cooperation between Indonesia-Malaysia will grow even greater.

Further, in the relationship between the wider nation, we have to continue to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of our territory, and continues to build itself into a developed country, prosperous, and dignified, while maintaining good relations and cooperation with neighboring countries.

That's all.

Thank you very much.

Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh