Foreign Ministry Explains Military and Quiet Diplomacy on Myanmar Issue

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry has indicated that military diplomacy under the direct order of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is yet to be commenced. Initially, Indonesia announced that it would send a military general to the country in an attempt to help find a solution to Myanmar’s domestic crisis.

"To date, there are no diplomatic attempts by our generals. However, it will be announced when the time comes," said the Foreign Ministry’s director general of ASEAN cooperation Sidharto Suryodipuro in a media briefing on Friday, March 10, 2023.

Myanmar has been torn by violence and economic and political instability since a coup in early 2021. The Southeast Asian bloc, led by Indonesia this year, remains frustrated due to the junta showing no intentions to implement the consensus.

The agreement, which was made shortly after the coup, was co-signed by the general. The agreement includes constructive dialogue, cessation of violence, mediation between various parties, provision of humanitarian assistance, and sending a special envoy to Myanmar.

Sidharto was once again reluctant to provide any in-depth explanation regarding Indonesia's approach to resolving the Myanmar crisis. In other words, Jakarta will adopt a more 'quiet diplomacy.'

"Because only in that way will you get an idea of the existence of a negotiation room. If conveyed publicly, the space for diplomacy becomes very narrow," said Sidharto.

By maintaining subtlety, Sidharto explained that Indonesia is again sending a message about the importance of stopping violence, distributing humanitarian aid, and the need for inclusive political dialogue that involves all parties in Myanmar.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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