Jokowi Regrets Myanmar Not Accepting ASEAN Help

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi mentioned the political crisis in Myanmar during the 39th ASEAN Summit, that was held virtually, on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

On the occasion, Widodo stated that ASEAN hopes democracy can be restored inclusively in Myanmar. Earlier at the Leaders Meeting in Jakarta on April 24, 2021, he said he was optimistic that as a family, ASEAN will be able to assist Myanmar to overcome their political crisis.

"Unfortunately, the Myanmar military did not welcome the offer. The access requested by ASEAN's envoy has not been granted by the military even until the end of the summit," said Widodo as quoted from the statement from Presidential Secretary BPMI on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

He explained that it was not an easy decision for ASEAN to invite Myanmar on a non-political level and gave them the chance to finish their internal affairs first, but it was a must thing to do.

"On one side, we still have to respect the non-interference principle, but on the other side we are obligated to hold another principle from ASEAN Charter, such as the democracy, good governance, upholding human rights and a constitutional government," said Joko Widodo.

This decision also provides spaces for ASEAN to keep making progress, as it was promised to the people of ASEAN. "However, the humanitarian aid must still be given to the people of Myanmar," Jokowi remarked.

Read: Jokowi on Myanmar Crisis: Violence Must Be Stopped, Peace Must Be Returned

Dewi Nurita | Graven (Intern)