Jakarta. The Indonesian government explained its decision to abstain from signing a document calling for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis of any agreement to end the ongoing war, citing Russia’s absence from the Swiss conference.

Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Rolliansyah Sumirat said any agreement and negotiation aimed at ending the conflict must include both warring parties.

“Indonesia believes that the joint communique would be much more effective if drafted inclusively and equally,” Rolliansyah was quoted as saying by Antara news agency on Monday.

The international conference at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland on June 15-16 was attended by representatives from 90 countries, but Russia did not send a delegation.

However, Indonesia supports the principle of the agreement, which calls for diplomatic means to end the conflict, he added.

Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland Ngurah Swajaya attended the conference on behalf of Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

Indonesia’s participation in the conference “reflects the country’s strong commitment to the implementation of international laws and the United Nations Charter,” the spokesman said.

During the conference, the Indonesian ambassador raised concerns not only about the ongoing war in Ukraine but also about Israeli military aggression in the Gaza Strip, he said.

Indonesia is among 16 countries that abstained from the Swiss document, which focused on issues of nuclear safety, food security, and the exchange of prisoners.

The final document stated that the UN Charter and “respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty ... can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

AP reported that India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates --represented by foreign ministers or lower-level envoys -- were among those that did not sign the final document.

Brazil, an “observer” country, did not sign, but Turkey -- which has at times sought to act as an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine -- did.

The event included presidents and prime ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Ecuador, Kenya, and Somalia.

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