TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi expressed deep disappointment over Myanmar's lack of progress in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) during the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM/PMC).

She highlighted the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, which is characterized by escalating internal conflict, a surge in internal refugees, and a rise in cross-border crimes including online scams and drug trafficking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) data shows an increase in opium trade in Myanmar.

Retno emphasized the urgent need for all ASEAN member states and Myanmar's internal stakeholders to restore trade and stability in the country. To address the crisis, Indonesia proposed several key measures.

First, she reiterated the importance of the 5PC as the cornerstone of ASEAN's Myanmar engagement, suggesting that Myanmar's participation in future ASEAN meetings be limited to non-political representation until progress is made.

Second, Retno called for increased humanitarian assistance, announcing Indonesia's contribution of US$500,000 for rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities in Myanmar. Indonesia also plans to distribute the polio vaccine in September. While welcoming Thailand's cross-border humanitarian aid initiative, she stressed the importance of inclusive and transparent aid delivery.

Retno also advocated for continued engagement through the ASEAN Troika and closer cooperation with the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar to coordinate aid efforts. Indonesia expressed support for a meeting of Myanmar's special envoys.

Third, she underscored the necessity of inclusive dialogue among all Myanmar stakeholders as the only path to lasting peace and stability. “ASEAN must continue to strive to encourage this inclusive dialogue to build mutual trust between stakeholders,” Minister Retno remarked.

In 2021, ASEAN had asked Myanmar to seek "dialogue, reconciliation, and normalization of the situation" after the Myanmar military carried out a coup to overthrow the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi. This is because political stability in ASEAN member countries is pivotal to achieve a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ASEAN Community.

As an international organization, ASEAN has proclaimed the principle of strict non-intervention by each member country, which is stated in Article 2 of the ASEAN Charter. Besides, the ASEAN Charter also urges member countries to adhere to the principles of democracy, human rights, and good governance.

SUCI SEKARWATI

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