House Of Representatives Commission I: Indonesia Needs To Initiate Peaceful Resolution Of The Conflict Between Russia And Ukraine

Chairman of Commission I of the DPR, Meutya Hafid (Photo: DOK ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Meutya Hafid, assesses that Indonesia needs to play a role in creating and building world peace in response to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. As mandated by the constitution to participate in carrying out world order.

"I hope that Indonesia can play its role in easing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Given that Indonesia has a history of good foreign relations with the two countries," Meutya told reporters, Friday, February 25.

The Golkar Party politician is of the opinion that Indonesia must initiate a peace settlement both bilaterally with Russia and Ukraine as well as through the UN General Assembly. Indonesia, according to Meutya, can take on this role considering that Indonesia currently holds the G-20 Presidency and has a constitutional obligation to participate in creating world peace.

"This is necessary because if left unchecked, this mutual attack could become a widespread open war and have the potential to plunge the world into World War III," he stressed.

Meutya views that a peaceful settlement at the UN General Assembly is the only open effort. Because in the UN General Assembly there is no veto power and all member states have the same vote.

The commission in charge of foreign affairs considers that the United Nations and the international community must make every effort to encourage all warring parties to return to the negotiating table.

"I also urge the United Nations and the international community to ensure all warring parties put forward the United Nations Charter, international law, and UN resolutions," he said.

Meutya also asked all parties to commit to protecting civilians in accordance with Geneva Convention IV 1949 and international humanitarian law.

"The war situation must not hinder humanitarian assistance to the victims, especially civilians," he said.

On the other hand, Meutya emphasized that the safety of Indonesian citizens is the highest law that must be pursued seriously. Therefore, he asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a partner of Commission I to continue to monitor developments in Ukraine.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must ensure that Indonesian citizens are in safe locations, of course, in this case, our Indonesian Embassy in Kiev. I also urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately prepare a plan related to the evacuation of our Indonesian citizens from Ukraine, considering that the current crisis could get worse in the near future," said Meutya.