TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo called for a halt to violence in trouble-torn Myanmar immediately. Myanmar has remained in turmoil since the military took over the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 and detained the latter and members of her party.

“Indonesia urges that the use of violence in Myanmar be stopped immediately so there will be no more victims,” he said in a statement uploaded on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube on Friday, March 19, 2021.

He also offered his condolences on behalf of himself and the Indonesian nation for the casualties in the riots in Myanmar. According to activist group the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 180 protesters died as the Myanmar military tried to stop the waves of coup protests.

Jokowi emphasized the safety and welfare of the people must be the top priority. Therefore, he said, Indonesia also called for a dialogue so that reconciliation could be carried out immediately to restore democracy. He added this effort aimed at restoring peace and stability in Myanmar.

“I will soon hold talks with the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as the Chair of ASEAN on a possible ASEAN summit to discuss the crisis in Myanmar,” said Jokowi.

Read: Myanmar Civilian Leaders Urge Self-defense against Military Crackdown

EGI ADYATAMA