Indonesia nominates two experts for ITLOS, ILC

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia launched a bid to have two of its legal experts serve in the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) and the International Law Commission (ILC).

During a press conference on Friday, Deputy Foreign Minister Arif Havas Oegroseno announced that Professor Eddy Pratomo, Dean of the Law Faculty of the University of Pancasila, has been nominated to serve as a judge at ITLOS for the 2026-2035 period.

Meanwhile, Professor Hikmahanto Juwana, who specializes in international law studies at the University of Indonesia, has been put forward as a candidate for ILC membership for the 2028-2032 term.

Havas noted that although Indonesia is a party to the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS) and has fulfilled its obligations, no Indonesian has ever served in ITLOS.

He stated that Indonesia’s bid in the international bodies also reflected its endeavor, “as the largest archipelago country,” to defend the interests of developing countries, including those in Southeast Asia.

“It will be hugely ideal that the interests of developing and island countries are reflected in the composition of judges adjudicating laws of the seas,” the deputy foreign minister affirmed.

Meanwhile, Havas explained that Professor Juwana's bid for ILC membership is an expression of Indonesia’s concern regarding the lack of international laws regulating the effects of rising sea water on coastlines in many countries.

“The studies have taken place for so long, and Indonesia believes its voice must be heard during the drafting of new norms in the international laws regarding the sea water rise,” Havas stated.

He remarked that when the bids of Professor Pratomo and Professor Juwana are successful and they are elected to serve in the international bodies, they will conduct their duties independently and not represent Indonesia.

Based in Hamburg, Germany, ITLOS is an independent international court mandated to adjudicate disputes regarding UNCLOS implementation and lawsuits on marine resources exploration, protection, and maritime laws.

Meanwhile, the Geneva-based ILC is a body of experts responsible for helping develop and codify international laws. It comprises 34 international law experts elected by the UN General Assembly for five years.