TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi mentioned that the Philippines will serve as the ASEAN Chair in 2026 replacing the conflict-ridden Myanmar.

"Everything has to be preconcerted, and we have ensured that the Philippines will hold the 2026 chairmanship [of ASEAN]," she said after the retreat session of the ASEAN Summit in Jakarta yesterday, September 5, 2023.

Myanmar succumbed to violence and economic instability after the Myanmar junta took a seat in the government post-2021 coup. Tatmadaw, the junta, used violent force on its political opponents.

Initially, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Phillippines were ready for the bloc in 2026. "We will strengthen the foundation of our community's development and navigate ASEAN while this country is starting its new phase," he said without giving the reason for the country's acceptance to lead ASEAN in 2026.

ASEAN chairmanship is decided in alphabetical order. Laos will hold the chair next year and Malaysia in 2025. According to the rule, Myanmar is supposed to be the ASEAN Chair in 2026.

The Director for ASEAN Cooperation at the Foreign Ministry Sidharto Suryodiputro said that the bloc's decision to choose the Philippines as the 2026 chair was initiated by Indonesia as the current chair.

Sidharta admitted Myanmar has not responded to the decision, but communication has been made, including with the junta. "This is ASEAN's decision, not a unilateral decision of any parties including Myanmar," Sidharta said when met by reporters yesterday.

Leaders of Southeast Asian Nations acknowledged that there has been no significant progress in the implementation of the peace plan, known as the five-point consensus, to resolve the Myanmar conflict. At the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta yesterday, September 5, they agreed to establish a troika.

The troika is a cooperation between the serving ASEAN chair, the previous chair, and the next chair to tackle the Myanmar conflict. The troika was provided in the ASEAN leaders' review and decision on the implementation of the five-point consensus document.

"[The troika] is intended for the sustainability in handling the issue, since all are aware that the situation is not likely to change in one year," Minister Retno said yesterday.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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