IPI, Indonesia Hold International Forum in Jakarta

IPI President Terje Rød-Larsen speaking at the conference.

IPI’s President Terje Rød-Larsen told an audience of 1,300 in Jakarta that he hoped the Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD) would become “the preeminent forum for continued multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, seeking peace, progress, and prosperity for all the peoples of the region.”

The third annual JIDD centered on the themes of Defense and Diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region, seeking to promote intergovernmental cooperation in facing common threats and challenges. The forum, organized by Indonesia with the support of IPI, was held on March 20th and 21st, and attracted foreign and defense ministers from nearly 40 countries.

Mr. Rød-Larsen spoke at the opening ceremony, following speeches by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão of Timor-Leste.

He noted that impressive innovation and unprecedented economic development have brought renewed attention to the Asia-Pacific, a region known across empires and centuries for its diverse and vibrant cultures and traditions. With incredible promise for the future, he said, the region faces social, economic, and environmental challenges, in additional to traditional security threats.

To illustrate the point, Mr. Rød-Larsen presented a video created by IPI outlining the emergence of the Asia-Pacific as the 21st century’s global leader and the challenges it will face as it takes on this role.

“No country can confront these challenges alone,” said Mr. Rød-Larsen. “That fact underlines the importance of all of us meeting here today to address these challenges collectively.”

IPI assisted the government of Indonesia with the design of the conference agenda and the selection of expert panelists to participate. During a five-day stay in Jakarta, IPI staff visited with Indonesian officials to explore additional opportunities for cooperation.

Related Media Coverage:

In English:
VOI (Voice of Indonesia)
JIDD opening statement by the Indonesian president

In Indonesian
Liputan 6
Inilah.com
Tribunnews.com

VIDEO: Why the 21st century will be the “Asia-Pacific Century”: