Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09JAKARTA2105
2009-12-28 08:25:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Jakarta
Cable title:  

UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -- DISCUSSING RELIGIOUS

Tags:  PREL PGOV KISL EDRC ID 
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VZCZCXRO6208
OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDT RUEHGI RUEHJS RUEHKUK
RUEHLH RUEHPB RUEHPW RUEHROV RUEHTRO
DE RUEHJA #2105 3620825
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 280825Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4199
INFO RUCNARF/ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 8045
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1147
UNCLAS JAKARTA 002105 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, IO/RHS FOR KESHAP
NSC FOR D. WALTON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL EDRC ID
SUBJECT: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -- DISCUSSING RELIGIOUS
DEFAMATION WITH GOI

REF: A. JAKARTA 01471

B. STATE 128320

UNCLAS JAKARTA 002105

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, IO/RHS FOR KESHAP
NSC FOR D. WALTON

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL EDRC ID
SUBJECT: UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION -- DISCUSSING RELIGIOUS
DEFAMATION WITH GOI

REF: A. JAKARTA 01471

B. STATE 128320


1. (U) This message is Sensitive but Unclassified -- Please
handle accordingly.


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: On December 22, IO/HRS Director Keshap
held a constructive meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Director General for Multi-lateral Affairs Ambassador Rezlan
Ishar Jenie to explore ways to soften OIC approaches on
defamation of Islam in the UN. Jenie made it clear that he
appreciated the USG's collaborative approach in the UNHRC as
evidenced by Indonesia's support and cosponsorship of the
Freedom of Expression Resolution in September. Although
Jenie did not respond directly on the subject of defamation,
he greatly appreciated that the proposal was delivered in
person in Jakarta by Keshap and promised to study it
carefully. Jenie urged U.S. support for the GOI's candidacy
for a UNHRC seat in 2011. END SUMMARY.

PRAISE FOR THE USG'S COLLABORATIVE APPROACH


3. (SBU) Ambassador Jenie expressed his appreciation for the
USG's securing of consensus at the UNHRC on the Freedom of
Expression resolution. He emphasized that the GOI welcomed
the inclusion of OIC concerns in the resolution. He regarded
the passage of this resolution as a first step in bridging
the gap between the OIC and the West. Jenie stated that the
U.S. rejoining the UNHRC was a constructive step in
ameliorating the divisiveness in the UNHRC. He noted that
Indonesia hoped to return to the UNHRC in 2011 and was
looking to the U.S. to support its bid.

DEFAMATION ISSUE


4. (SBU) After Keshap's presentation of USG views on the
topic and presentation of a draft action plan, Ambassador
Jenie said the defamation issue was important to the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC),and any change in
course on the OIC's approach vis-a-vis this issue would need
to be approved by all 57 members. (Note: Indonesia was a
crucial player in the September UNHRC negotiations on freedom
of expression. Its constructive interventions made it clear
that there was no unified OIC position; Indonesia negotiated
on a national basis.) Jenie noted that Indonesia's support
of the current defamation resolution text is not due to
ideological constraints, but is focused solely on the
objective of the resolution--promoting respect for religion
and ensuring equal treatment for Muslim minority populations.

USG PROPOSED PLAN OF ACTION


5. (SBU) Ambassador Jenie and Director for Human Rights
Primanto Hendrasmoro assured Keshap that they would carefully
review the action plan. The GOI would continue to discuss
the possibility of a March initiative on defamation with
Embassy Jakarta, Mission Geneva, and Washington. Jenie
stated that President Yudhoyono was considering attending the
meeting as was Foreign Minister Natalegawa. Jenie commented
that high-level U.S. participation would further underscore
the importance that the U.S. attached to defamation.

PROPOSED NEXT STEPS


6. (SBU) Mission concurs with IO/HR that securing Indonesia
as a vocal ally on a new initiative will be critical to
moderating the strident voices in the OIC, especially from
some Arab states and Pakistan. Mission will continue to
underscore to the GOI the importance that we attach to the
defamation issue. We encourage Washington to continue to
send visitors to Jakarta to further emphasize to GOI
officials that moving forward on the defamation issue is a
key priority for the USG in the UNHRC. In addiiton, we urge
Washington to consider supporting Indonesia's bid to rejoin
the UNHRC in 2011.

OSIUS