The ASEAN Foundation and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue Singapore Regional Office jointly hosted a half-day seminar on 28 May 2012 posting a theme "Reflections on the Establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and How It Can Contribute to Peacekeeping".
Mr. Michael Vatikiotis, Regional Director for Asia of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, gave a brief remark about the Seminar which is to map out views from opinion leaders on the establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and how it can contribute to peacekeeping in the region. The seminar, held at the ASEAN Foundation, brought in peace mediator the Honorable Dr. M. Jusuf Kalla, the former vice-president of the Republic of Indonesia, who delivered his keynote address in front of around 60 invited guests. Dr. M. Jusuf Kalla stated that ASEAN is practically a peaceful region in general and its people need not worry for conflicts. However, Dr. M. Jusuf Kalla further stated that such an institution was indeed required as it served like an early warning system for indication of conflicts that might arise in the region. The Institution, nevertheless, should always look up to 'lessons learned' and do a lot of research in order to be able to give the best solution and resolution. Dr. M. Jusuf Kalla, who was also ambassador for peacekeeping, stressed out the need for an expert negotiator as the key to a successful conflict resolve.
Among the guests were H. E. Mr. Wisber Loeis, the first Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, Mr. Marzuki Darusman, founding director of the Human Rights Resource Centre for ASEAN, Mr. Zaini Abdullah, the newly elected governor of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Ambassador Hasjim Djalal, a senior diplomat, and Mr. Hamid Awaludin, an eminent person in the Aceh conflict resolve. Also in presence were from media, to name among others Kantor Berita Antara, the official news agency of Indonesia, and Jakarta Post, and academics from various recognised universities, such as Universitas Padjajaran, Universitas Al Azhar, Universitas Paramadina, and Universitas Atmadjaya.
The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (the HD Centre) is an independent mediation organisation, based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to improving the global response to armed conflict, driven by humanitarian values. This organisation is funded by a variety of governments, private foundations, and philanthropists.
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