7-7-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized on Friday that her country is actively promoting a national inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders in Myanmar to help resolve the ongoing crisis. She highlighted the importance of initial engagements in building trust, narrowing differences, de-escalating violence, and renouncing the use of force.
Speaking at a regular Foreign Ministry briefing in Jakarta, Minister Retno stated that while engagements are essential, they are not the ultimate goal. The objective is to achieve an inclusive dialogue that leads to lasting peace. She called on all external parties to encourage inclusive dialogue in Myanmar, emphasizing that it is the only way forward for durable peace in the country.
As the current chair of ASEAN, Indonesia has undertaken 110 intensive and inclusive engagements over the past seven months. These engagements have involved in-person, virtual, and phone discussions with various stakeholders, including the State Administration Council, the junta military regime, and the shadow National Unity Government. Minister Retno conveyed the importance of inclusive dialogue during these meetings.
The ASEAN chair’s Office of Special Envoy to Myanmar has also conducted engagements with ethnic resistance organizations, political party representatives, civil society organizations, and other parties within Myanmar. Furthermore, Indonesia has engaged with neighboring countries and other relevant actors to facilitate the peace process.
Minister Retno emphasized that engaging key parties is crucial in implementing the five-point peace plan adopted by ASEAN in April 2021. This plan calls for dialogue among all parties, an immediate cessation of violence, the appointment of an ASEAN special envoy for mediation, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and a visit by an ASEAN delegation to Myanmar to meet all concerned parties.
ASEAN has faced criticism for its perceived slow and ineffective response to the Myanmar crisis. Since the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar has been engulfed in turmoil, with widespread violence resulting in the loss of civilian lives and mass displacements.
Minister Retno stressed the urgent need to end the violence in Myanmar in order to create a conducive environment for inclusive dialogue. She highlighted that a peaceful settlement accepted by all parties and lasting peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue driven by the genuine commitment and passion of the involved parties.
Next week, ASEAN foreign ministers, along with counterparts from the United States, China, Russia, and other key partners, will gather in Jakarta for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings. The meetings aim to address regional issues, including the crisis in Myanmar. The participation of various countries and key dialogue partners will provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions and potential diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis.
