VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Countries joined in MIKTA's informal co-operation, namely Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia are considered to have significant contributions to the United Nations (UN) peace mission through the deployment of peacekeeping forces. The number of dispatch of peacekeepers  such as the sending of women peacekeeping troops continues to be increased by the United Nations. This was stated by Director of International Security and Disarmament of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia (RI), Grata Endah Werdaningtyas in MIKTA Panel Discussion on Women and Peacekeeping in Jakarta, Thursday (April 19, 2018).

“And if we look at the data, all five MIKTA countries currently have been contributing around 3500 peacekeepers around the world, with more than 100 female personnel. So,  this is good for us, especially Indonesia for MIKTA in peacekeeping and I think in line with the ambition of secretary general to increase the number of female peacekeeping personnel. I think it is important for MIKTA to cooperate and to discuss and try to find a solution,” Grata Endah said.

Grata Endah Werdaningtyas further said that female peace troops have several advantages compared to peacekeepers who are still dominated by men. She also said female peace troops are more easily accepted by local people who are experiencing conflict. In addition, they are also considered easier to win the hearts and minds of local people and more effectively in protecting local people from sexual exploitation and acts of violence. (VOI/Rezha/Trans by Rhm)