Indonesia disappointed by deteriorating situation in Myanmar

Deteriorating situation in Myanmar must not interfere with ASEAN’s course and cooperation.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his disappointment over the lack of significant progress in the implementation of the 5-point consensus (5PC) by the military junta due to deteriorating situation in Myanmar.

“Indonesia is very disappointed with deteriorating situation in Myanmar, because there has been no significant progress from the implementation of the 5PC and we do not see any commitment from the military junta to implement it,” the president told the media on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia, Friday.

According to the head of state, deteriorating situation in Myanmar should not interfere with ASEAN’s travel and cooperation.

“Indonesia has reaffirmed its position not to allow non-political representation at the ASEAN Summit and foreign ministerial level meetings. Indonesia also proposes that the same thing be applied outside the foreign ministerial level meeting,” he said.

The Indonesian president pointed out that his country remains committed to continuing to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar, and also encourages ASEAN to immediately engage with all stakeholders in Myanmar and conduct dialogues.

“Indonesia also calls for an immediate end to all acts of violence in Myanmar,” the president stated.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of the ASEAN Summit this time, President Joko Widodo also conveyed several important things related to the Myanmar issue which could be used as decision elements at the summit.

The president said this when speaking at the retreat session of the 41st ASEAN Summit which specifically discussed the implementation of the 5-point consensus (5PC) in Myanmar, at the Sokha Hotel, Phnom Penh, on the same day (Friday).

“The first point, the implementation of the 5PC remains the main reference for ASEAN in helping Myanmar get out of its political crisis,” he said.

The second point, the head of state emphasized the call for an end to violence in order to immediately create conducive conditions in Myanmar.

“The third point, Indonesia proposes the assignment of the Secretary General of ASEAN and the AHA (ASEAN Humanitarian Aid Coordination) Center to continue to seek access so that the Comprehensive Needs Assessment can be completed immediately,” he explained.

According to the president, humanitarian assistance to support life-sustaining has become more important at this time.

The fourth point conveyed by the president is that the decision on non-political representation from Myanmar must also be applied in addition to the AMM (ASEAN Ministerial Meeting) and the Summit.

“The fifth, ASEAN engagement with all Myanmar stakeholders must be carried out immediately. Because only by opening dialogue with all parties, ASEAN will be able to facilitate the national dialogue mandated by the 5PCs,” he said.

The sixth, according to the president, is to respect the principle of non-interference, ASEAN does not provide support for elections that are not inclusive and are not prepared based on national dialogue.

“We have a responsibility to the peoples of ASEAN and the world. If we don’t act appropriately, then ASEAN’s credibility and relevance would be at stake,” Joko Widodo said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window