Indonesia Considering To Quit 20 International Organizations

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian is reviewing its membership in 20 international organizations, considered less relevant  and not contributing to the national interest.

"There are several international organizations. It could be tens , but not big," Vice President Jusuf Kalla said here on Friday.

Kalla said many organizations might no longer important for Indonesia, or even irrelevant such as International Civil Defense Organization.

"There are also organizations of science ... all sorts of .. Perhaps Indonesia was offered and all at once accepted. There is Asian tourist organization, but there is also all Asian tourist organization . Only different in name. There are many not very important," he said.

Kalla also asked people to not  attend often annual meetings or congresses if they are not important for the nation.

He said the decision to quit the international organizations would not affect the position of Indonesia, to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.  
    
Earlier President Joko Widodo told Coordinating Minister for Law, Security and Political Affairs Wiranto  and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi  and other relevant ministers to look into the decision.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said Indonesia is member in 233 international organizations.

Pramono said 112 of the organizations are categorized as strategic and permanent, and 46 organizations are technical, therefore, the country would continue to maintain its seat in them.  
    
The decision is also for efficiency saving the cash strapped government from wasting unnecessary money in cost of attending meetings  and paying membership fees. (WDY)