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Retno  Marsudi recieves MILF Delegation and UNDP delegation (kemlu.go.id)

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, on Thursday received a visit from the delegation of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) of South Philippines.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arrmanatha Nasir, said in Jakarta on Thursday that the purpose of the MILF`s visit to Indonesia was to learn the successful peace process in Aceh Province.

"The foreign minister has conveyed her support to the ongoing efforts in South Philippines in order to achieve peace, and she has also encouraged all parties, including MILF, to contribute to the peace building process and to maintain peace," Nasir stated about the meeting.

During their visit to Indonesia, the MILF delegation was scheduled to meet several representatives of Indonesian Islamic organization, such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, and also the Vice President Jusuf Kalla.

"Indonesia has been consistent and active in enabling the peace process in South Philippines since the 90s, including its involvement in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the South Philippines," Nasir revealed. (antaranews)

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Thursday, received the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) delegation keen on taking a cue from the country on conflict settlement amid the fight between the armed group and Philippines military.

"We discussed and shared information, and he had just visited Aceh to observe the progress in the province. They want to learn from the progress achieved in Indonesia," Kalla noted after receiving the delegation of MILF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Vice President`s office.

Kalla said he had shared his experience in encouraging peace in Aceh that was torn by a prolonged conflict between the armed group and the Indonesian military.

"Of course, in our experience, in every peace mission there must be firstly, mutual respect and secondly, a compromise. We want to help them. Until now, we still have 10 monitoring teams in Manila," he remarked.

Meanwhile, MILF Chief Murad Ebrahem noted that the group will follow the example set by Indonesia in conflict settlement by taking a cue from the country`s experience in Aceh.

Representatives of MILF, UNDP, and Indonesia`s Foreign Ministry have paid a visit to Aceh to witness development in the region after the peace agreement.

"We came here to learn from Indonesia`s experience, especially from the vice president, in addressing the conflict in Aceh. We are facing a similar situation now, and we have visited Aceh. We are impressed by the development there following the tsunami and conflict," Ebrahem noted. (antaranews)

The visit of Minister of Chemistry and Fertilizer of the Republic of India to Indonesia some time ago is expected to facilitate the efforts of Indian investors or entrepreneurs to keep investing in Indonesia. More Indian businesspeople who have been coming to Indonesia for years, have many experiences related to investment in Indonesia. This was stated by Indonesian Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto in his speech at the commemoration of the National Day of India in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.

“…The visit of Minister of Chemical and Fertilizer  of the Republic of India in a big delegation, hopefully will be realized easier and also I eager to see the Indian industries to be more aggressive to invest in Indonesia and Indian entrepreneurs have experienced many – many years in Indonesia with the culture, some similarities," Hartarto said. 

Minister Airlangga Hartarto added that Indian entrepreneurs in Indonesia have invested in textile, iron and automotive industries. He also hopes that Indian entrepreneurs in Indonesia can expand their business not only in the business sector but also in other sectors that have considerable potential to be developed further. (Rezha/Trans by Yati)

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi has witnessed the signing of Host Country Agreement (HCA) of ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation –AIPR in Jakarta on Thursday. The agreement was signed by Director General for ASEAN Cooperation of Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Jose Tavares and Executive Director of AIPR, Rezlan Ishar Jenie. Minister Retno stated that the signing of the agreement is a form of Indonesia’s consistency in promoting peace and reconciliation both in the regional and international level. She views that the signing of the HCA marks the commencement of AIPR's operations in conducting study and research in promoting peace and conflict resolution. Minister Retno also said that since 2017, Indonesia has hosted AIPR for three consecutive years by covering its operational costs and he added that the costs will be accounted by all ASEAN member states.  

“…Indonesiaremains consistent with its peace diplomatic mission so that Indonesia hosts the AIPR. We have provided operational costs for three years since 2017 in addition to the office that is also provided by the government. The next operational costs will be supported by all ASEAN member states. So once again, this is our consistency in peace diplomacy to strengthen the political and security pillar of ASEAN Community," Retno said. 

Moreover, Minister Retno Marsudi further explained that the Host Country Agreement covers the privilege and immunities towards AIPR to operate in Indonesia. In carrying out its duties and functions, AIPR will conduct research in the areas of peace and conflict resolution. In addition, Minister Retno also pointed out that AIPR will also conduct capacity building activities and support the ASEAN sectoral body. Furthermore, Minister Retno said, AIPR will be the scientific hub in building network with various institutions in the field of peace and conflict resolution. (Ndy)