VIVAnews - South Korean judge Song Sang-hyun, the first Asian person helming the International Criminal Court (ICC), is visiting Indonesia. In his official visit to Indonesia, Song hopes that Indonesia can be the fifteenth country in the Asian region ratifying the ICC jurisdiction, set up on July 1, 2002.
"Indonesia is one of the largest countries in the world with rapid economic growth, trained legal enforcers and active monitoring agencies. There is no reason for the country to be doubtful of ratifying the Rome Statute," said Song during a restricted meeting with some representatives of non-governmental organizations in Indonesia on Wednesday, April 28.
VIVAnews journalist Shinta Eka Puspasari grasped the chance to interview the ICC president. During the interview, Song implied that the Indonesian government should not be worried to ratify the Rome Statute.
How do you feel of being elected the first ICC president from Asia?
I am in despair because there are only 14 Asian countries which have ratified the Rome Statute.
In your opinion, what is the main cause of the situation?
It should have been ignorance and indifference, mainly from the government. I will not name the country. But some countries which are proud of their legal background do not in fact differ between the ICC and ICTY or other adhoc courts.
Indonesia has yet to ratify the Rome Statute. During your visit to the country, are you trying to convince Indonesian policy makers to shortly ratify the Rome Statute?
The ICC is not in the position to set out any lobbies. I only offer support and assistance in order to speed up the ratification process.
Does our government give any reason of why the ratification is delayed?
No. Every country shows strong commitment to ratify the statute soon. It is only that they are facing some technical issues. They did not inform about the matters in detail.
However, our government has exceeded the targeted ratification that we set, that is in 2008.
I am told that Indonesia is willing to ratify by the end of last year. Yet, it failed. I hope that the ratification procedure can be completed as soon as possible.
How do you convince our government?
I know that Indonesia is among the most important and potent countries in the world. Indonesia's efforts to fight against corruption, accelerate democratization and reflect upon past mistakes on Human Rights violation have been praised by the international community.
Given the trained and educated legal enforcers, Indonesia should have delegates in the board of judges or supreme prosecutors.
This will improve the voice of Indonesia and Asia. Indonesia may also show its moral commitment in defending against impunity.
Is there any positive or negative impact if Indonesia ratifies the Rome Statute?
There will no be any negative effect. On the positive side, Indonesia will have more chance to be heard concerning matters on Human Rights defense and impunity removal. I am ashamed to say that there are only 14 Asian countries which ratify the Rome Statute.
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Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono
KPK Sebut Prabowo Subianto Tak Perlu Setor Nama-Nama Calon Menterinya
Presiden terpilih Prabowo Subianto, dikatakan tidak perlu menyetor nama-nama calon menteri, kepada Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi. Apalagi nama-nama itu distabilo tertentu.
