US Ambassador Says Kim Jong-un Visit to Bandung a Matter for Indonesia

Jakarta Globe, Natasia Christy, Jan 29, 2015

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un delivers a New Year's address in this Jan. 1, 2015,
 photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang.
(Reuters Photo).

Jakarta. As Indonesia prepares to welcome up to 109 heads of state to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in April, the US ambassador to Jakarta advised a cautious approach to one name on the list — North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The original Asia-Africa Conference was held in Jakarta and Bandung in April, 1955. It was attended by 25 countries and was an important precursor to the Non-Aligned Movement. The government has invited 109 head of states to attend the 60th commemoration of the event in Bandung and Jakarta.

“It’s a decision that Indonesia has to make,” US Ambassador Robert Blake said, referring to the invitation extended to Kim. “However, Indonesia should be cautious with the world view on the sanctioned country. Of course, this will be a consideration for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Blake said the US embassy had yet to receive official notice of Kim’s plans to attended the April event. South Korean news agency Yonhap announced Kim’s plans to attend.

Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha said the North Korean leader had yet to send his RSVP.

Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil was enjoying the prospect of Bandung in the spotlight.

“All eyes will be on Bandung on April 24, especially if the North Korean leader is coming” Ridwan said. “It’s his right [to visit Bandung]. He is invited. We invited his country. Whether the country is bad is not a criteria to receive an invitation.”