ASEAN Agrees on Troika for Continuity of Handling Myanmar Crisis

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - 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 crisis. At the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta today, September 5, they agreed to establish a troika.

Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said leaders agreed to set up an informal "troika" approach which would see the current chair supported by the former and future chairs to handle the crisis together and in a continuous manner. This is stated in a document of ASEAN leaders' review and decision on the implementation of the five-point consensus.

“[A troika was formed] to ensure the continuity in terms of handling the issue because everyone understands this situation cannot change in one year,” Retno said to journalists after the ASEAN Summit retreat session in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She also said that Myanmar's non-political representation would be maintained. The Philippines is set to replace the junta-run country and take over the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

ASEAN is determined to maintain the peace plan although observers pointed out several weak points in the approach, such as the mechanism for sending special envoys who are limited to the chairmanship.

Adopted shortly after Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021, the consensus calls for an end to violence; a dialogue among all parties; the appointment of ASEAN envoys; humanitarian assistance; and a visit by an ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar.

When opening the ASEAN Summit retreat session, Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi stressed that ASEAN must have the courage to self-evaluate, openly discuss problems, and jointly find solutions to the bloody crisis in Myanmar which has been gripped by violence since the coup two years ago. “We need more tactical and extraordinary efforts to implement the five-point consensus,” he said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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