The establishment of Indonesian Peace and Security Centre (iPSC) is a real step in building world peace as stated in the preamble to the Constitution of 1945. This is certainly in line with the outline of Indonesia’s foreign policy since the Independence until the current administration. Moreover, the current government holds the principles of good international citiizenship with million friends and zero enemies. This principle encourages Indonesia to be more active in international politics.
Head of UGM International Relations Department, Drs. Dafri Agussalim, MA., assessed the establishment of iPSC in terms of policy and state ideal is a stepping stone made by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). That the establishment of the iPSC is not only pure state ideology and ideal of the nation, but it also receives support from other countries in its formation. "This shows that Indonesia is far more concerned with humanitarian issues, peace and other issues. It no longer portrays Indonesia as in the past as a gross human rights violator, the case of East Timor, Papua, Aceh and so on," he said in the IIS, 2nd floor of Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Friday (2/3).
About the involvement of other countries, Dafri admitted the United States and Australia have visible roles in establishing the iPSC. The U.S. contributed $15 million through the Global Peace Operations Initiatives to assist the construction of barracks and other facilities of the iPSC. Meanwhile, Australia gave assistance in the construction of the Language Center.
The establishment made Indonesia’s position in the international eyes good. Therefore, if Indonesia runs as non-permanent member of UN Security Council, it is likely to gain support. "I think this is what should be done by the government, that the soft power and image building are so important. Evidence showed that the country that committed serious human rights violations everywhere in the past, after Soeharto, the National Human Rights Commission was established; Indonesia was also active in human rights in Southeast Asia, in a short time Indonesia was appointed as Chairman of the UN Human Rights Commission, led by Makarim Wibisono – who is a graduate from UGM," Dafri Agussalim said, adding that the establishment of iPSC could attract more foreign capital into Indonesia.
As we all know, Indonesia Peace and Security Center (iPSC) was founded in Sentul in Bogor, West Java. It was inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently. A language training center is built there as well as emergency response to natural disasters and counter-terrorist training. The IPSC is under the command of Brigadier General and his deputy colonel. Members of the military trained here are TNI soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, who have passed the selection. "Indonesia is a country that actively contributes to send peacekeeping army under the UN flag to conflict areas. The Center is important to prepare the troops before serving their duties," Dafri, a faculty member of International Relations Department UGM said.