Indonesia, ICRC reaffirm commitment to humanitarian diplomacy

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reiterated the importance of humanitarian diplomacy as a vital instrument for upholding the principles of humanity, neutrality, and universality in international relations.

According to a statement cited on Thursday, this commitment was expressed during the 2025 Annual Briefing Session, which was co-organized in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 21).

Director General of Multilateral Cooperation at Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry Tri Tharyat stated that Indonesia is determined to continue promoting and practicing humanitarian diplomacy through strengthened ties with the ICRC.

"As a party to the Geneva Conventions, Indonesia is committed to calling for respect for international humanitarian law, both domestically and through regional and multilateral cooperation," he remarked.

He also emphasized the importance of revitalizing Indonesia's national committee for international humanitarian law, broadening the scope of Indonesia-ICRC collaboration, and fostering tripartite partnerships between the two parties and a third country.

Robianto, an official from Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, shared a similar view, stating that the annual briefing was expected to enhance Indonesia-ICRC cooperation in upholding international humanitarian law.

"We hope that the outcome of this annual briefing will lead to more concrete and strategic cooperation between Indonesia and the ICRC in addressing future humanitarian challenges," he stated during the session.

Meanwhile, Vincent Ochilet, head of the ICRC Regional Delegation to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, underlined that the ICRC remains a neutral and independent organization working under the guidance of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols.

He also emphasized the organization’s responsibility for promoting international humanitarian law and providing protection and humanitarian assistance to those affected by armed conflict.

He highlighted that the ICRC plans to organize a roundtable discussion with the ASEAN Secretariat this year to exchange views on global issues related to international humanitarian law.