Lambertus Nicodemus Palar - Representing Indonesia

Representing Indonesia

Palar joined the effort for international recognition of Indonesian independence by becoming the Indonesian Representative to the United Nations in 1947. He remained in this position until 1953. This time period included such important events as the continued Dutch-Indonesian conflict, the transfer of sovereignty from the Dutch, and the inclusion of Indonesia as a member of the United Nations.

During the Dutch-Indonesian conflict, Palar argued the case of Indonesian independence at the UN and the Security Council, even though his status was only as an "observer" because Indonesia was not a member of the UN at that time. After a second Police Action was unpopular and subsequently condemned by the Security Council, the Roem-van Roijen Agreement was signed, which led to the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference and the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty by the Dutch on December 27, 1949.

Indonesia was admitted as the 60th Member State of the United Nations on September 28, 1950. Addressing the General Assembly as the first Indonesian Ambassador to the United Nations, Palar thanked those that have supported the Indonesian cause and pledged that Indonesia would assume the responsilities of being a member state. Palar continued his work at the UN until being assigned the Indonesian ambassadorship for India. In 1955, Palar was requested back to Indonesia and was instrumental in planning the Asia-Africa Conference, which gathered Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent. After the conference, Palar resumed his ambassadorship responsibities by representing Indonesia in East Germany and the Soviet Union. From 1957 to 1962, he became the Ambassador to Canada and afterwards returned to the UN as Ambassador until 1965. Sukarno withdrew Indonesia's membership in the UN because of the Indonesia-Malaysia conflict and upon the selection of Malaysia into the Security Council. Palar then became the Ambassador to the United States. Under new leadership of Suharto in 1966, Indonesia requested the resumption of membership to the UN with a message to the Secretary General that was delivered by Palar.

Palar retired from foreign service in 1968 having served his country during its early struggles and conflicts and battled for its freedom in the diplomatic arena. Palar returned to Jakarta, but remained active through lectureships, social work, and as an advisor to the Indonesian Representative to the United Nations. Lambertus Nicodemus Palar died in Jakarta on February 12, 1980. He was survived by his wife, Johanna Petronella "Yoke" Volmers, and children Mary Elizabeth Singh, Maesi Martowardojo, and Bintoar Palar.