The Deputy Minister Of Foreign Affairs Affirms That Foreign Politics Is Free To Active, Doesn't Mean It's Neutral

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Arif Havas Oegroseno, emphasized that the principle of Indonesian foreign politics that is "free and active" cannot be equated with a neutral attitude in international relations.

"Netral is a legal condition in accordance with international law in relations between countries related to war," said Havas at the 'Double Check: President Prabowo's Fruit Grant from the International World' held by the Presidential Communication Office in Jakarta, Saturday (18/7).

He explained that neutrality is an attitude that must be explicitly stated by a country, as Switzerland did during World War II.

"During World War 2, he (Switzerland) said he was neutral, so he didn't side with an existing war," he said.

Furthermore, Havas explained that the meaning of the principle of 'free and active' is independent and active.

"Independent means that independently it has the ability to determine state policies without pressure from other countries," he explained. Meanwhile, "active" means actively contributing to world development, creating peace, and implementing foreign policies relevant to domestic interests.

Havas gave an example that member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) do not have full independence in their foreign policy and defense.

They have to depend on their respective groups, depending on their respective members. This is what makes it different between us and many other countries that have military pacts," he added.

He also mentioned the global challenges currently faced by various countries, including Indonesia.

"Right now we are in a situation where countries have to row among many corals, such as superpower countries, individuals such as terrorists, online gambling, and climate change," he said.

In this context, he considered that President Prabowo Subianto's overseas visit was an effort to strengthen Indonesia's strategic partnership, especially by placing Southeast Asia as the center of cooperation in facing various global threats.

Havas said that Prabowo's visit to countries in the Middle East and Latin America showed Indonesia's close position with Global South.

"These all also show that Indonesia can remain friends of all parties, but not only friends who are not substantive, friends who also have a very solution relationship," said Havas.

According to him, this solution relationship is reflected in a number of concrete achievements, such as trade negotiations with the United States, investment cooperation with China, agricultural cooperation with Russia, as well as the completion of long negotiations with the European Union.