INDONESIA ENTHUSIASTIC ON U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS PLEDGE

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 004756 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/13/2016 TAGS: KUNR PHUM PREL UNGA ID SUBJECT: INDONESIA ENTHUSIASTIC ON U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS PLEDGE REF: A. STATE 57036 (UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL) ¶B. STATE 55461 (U.S. NOT TO RUN FOR HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL) Classified By: B. Lynn Pascoe, Ambassador. Reason: 1.4 (b, d) ¶1. (U) On April 11, we conveyed the Secretary's letter on our pledge for the Human Rights Council (reftel a) to Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda under cover of a diplomatic note. ¶2. (SBU) On April 13, we followed up with Jonny Sinaga, Deputy Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs at the Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Sinaga described our pledge as "wonderful" and fully in keeping with GOI thinking on this matter. He immediately observed that our criteria would mean that the United States would support an Indonesian candidacy for Council membership. ¶3. (C) Sinaga went on to express consternation that the United States would not seek a seat on the Human Rights Council, calling this decision a "loss" for the international community. Drawing on ref B, we explained our position on this matter. We noted that the United States remained committed to both U.N. reform and human rights, and would likely seek a seat in coming years. ¶4. (C) Comment: Historically, the Indonesians might endorse our views on international human rights issues in private or in rhetoric, but rarely in their actions in international forums, as shown by their abysmal voting record in the old Commission on Human Rights. Indonesia's new democracy has encouraged a rethink at some levels on the country's foreign policy, with Indonesia's engagement on Burma as one example. We, nevertheless, question whether Sinaga's statements reflect the views of senior ministry officials. It, however, seems likely that Indonesia will soon begin pressing us for support for its bid for a Council seat. PASCOE