TEMPO.CO, Nay Pyi Taw - Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L. P. Marsudi expressed her concerns with the human rights issue in Rakhine State, Myanmar, when meeting Myanmar State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on Tuesday, December 6, 2016.
“I extended Indonesia’s concerns with the situation in Rakhine State to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyii,” Retno said in a press release received by Tempo on Thursday, December 8, 2016.
Retno also revealed the Indonesian government’s plan to establish a health care center on a 4,000-square-meter land in Rakhine State. In addition, Indonesian people had provided assistance to build two schools in Rakhine, adding to six schools in the state.
Suu Kyi, who also serves as Myanmar Foreign Affairs Minister, expressed her appreciation to Indonesia’s assistance for Rakhine State, including the humanitarian aids provided by Indonesia following the incident occurred on October 9, 2016.
The situation in Rakhine State escalated after an attack was launched against a police outpost in Myanmar border. As a result, the Myanmar government launched a military operation to hunt down the perpetrator, resulting in tens of thousands of Rohingya people seeking refuge to Bangladesh.
“The Myanmar government has opened the door for humanitarian aids from Indonesia, allowing assistance from the Humanitarian Foundation (PKPU) to arrive in Rakhine,” Retno explained.
Both Retno and Suu Kyi also discussed the situation and development in Rakhine. Retno told Suu Kyi about the importance of security and stability to continue inclusive development in Rakhine.
Retno hopes that the Myanmar government would uphold, respect, and protect human rights, including of Muslim minority in Rakhine State.
As a part of an endeavor to improve tolerance and harmony in Rakhine, Indonesia and Myanmar have agreed to strengthen cooperation in interfaith dialogue. In addition, the Indonesian government will continue to engage in intensive communications with the Myanmar government, the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State led by Kofi Annan, and other related parties.
NATALIA SANTI