Indonesia Leads Myanmar Dialog

AFP/YE AUNG THU

Flowers and sympathy messages are placed on the ground in honor of Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing who died from a gunshot wound after being hit in the head last week, during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon on February 19, 2021.

ASEAN, led by Indonesia, strives for the spirit of ASEAN, which comprises integrity and unity, to be used to solve problems in Myanmar. This step is supported by other countries, such as Britain and China.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — ASEAN\'s efforts to promote a more constructive approach to resolve political dynamics in Myanmar after a military coup in the country continue to gain support. After speaking over telephone with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (19/2/2021), Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marudi said China supported ASEAN\'s efforts to help Myanmar get out of the current situation.

"China supports the efforts made by ASEAN to continue communicating with Myanmar and is trying to help Myanmar get out of its current situation," said Retno.

During the discussion, Retno reiterated Indonesia\'s attention to the importance of helping Myanmar make an inclusive democratic transition.

In the conversation with Wang Yi, Retno said Indonesia had emphasized the importance of efforts to safeguard the safety and welfare of the Myanmar people and the need to avoid acts of violence. During the discussion, Retno reiterated Indonesia\'s attention to the importance of helping Myanmar make an inclusive democratic transition.

Also read: Indonesia, Malaysia Focus on Myanmar Crisis

The talks between Retno and Wang Yi are part of a series of efforts by Indonesia and a number of ASEAN member countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, which this year will become the chair of ASEAN, to open a more "comfortable" space to discuss the political situation in Myanmar.

These efforts in particular began when President Joko Wiododo met with Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin last Friday (5/2) in Jakarta. They agreed to discuss the issue of Myanmar in the ASEAN forum. They also agreed to give the mandate to the foreign ministers of the two countries to seek an agreement that is unique to ASEAN to discuss the issue of Myanmar in depth.

"We hope that these political differences can be resolved in accordance with the applicable law. And, to realize the vision of the ASEAN community, it is important for all of us to continue to respect the principles of the ASEAN Charter, especially the principles of rule of law, good government, democracy, human rights and constitutional governance," said President Jokowi at that time.

AFP/YE AUNG THU

Flowers and sympathy messages are placed on the ground in honor of Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, who died from a gunshot wound after being hit in the head last week, during a demonstration against a military coup in Yangon on February 19, 2021.

The Chair of ASEAN, last Monday (1/2), also emphasized the adherence to the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance as well as respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as contained in the ASEAN Charter.

Communication

This step was then followed up by the Foreign Ministry by talking to a number of partners. The Foreign Minister of Indonesia on Wednesday visited Brunei Darussalam to meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who encouraged dialogue to be carried out as a family. The visit was continued to Singapore last Thursday to meet Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. As reported by The Straits Times, Viyan and Retno discussed possible next steps for ASEAN to handle the situation that is happening in Myanmar, including how to promote an inclusive dialogue with all major stakeholders (Kompas, Friday, 19/2).

AFP/ SAI AUNG MAIN

Teachers hold up signs during a demonstration against a military coup in Yangon on February 19, 2021.

Indonesia has also communicated with China, as well as with the United States and other partners, to discuss this issue. Quoting the conversation with Wang Yi, Retno said that China appreciates Indonesia\'s efforts to hold talks with foreign ministers of ASEAN and foreign ministers from other countries.

Britain is also calling for dialogue and reconciliation.

British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Owen Jenkins, said Britain was also concerned about the political situation in Myanmar. In this regard, through a press statement from the British Embassy in Jakarta, Owen underlined ASEAN\'s main role in securing security and peace in the region. In the press statement, it was stated that the UK welcomed the statement of the ASEAN leaders, which reminded the world that adherence to the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedom are part of the ASIAN Charter. Britain is also calling for dialogue and reconciliation.

Also read: Myanmar Coup and ASEAN Standpoint

Slightly different from ASEAN\'s efforts to try to build dialogue with Myanmar, Britain – just like Canada and the United States – are working to pressure the Southeast Asian country.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab announced that his country would freeze assets and impose travel ban on three top Myanmar military officers. They are considered to have played a role in serious human rights violations during the coup. Canada is reported to have taken a similar step.

AP

A police officer holding a long firearm stands in front of anticoup protesters gathering outside Hledan Centre in Yangon, Myanmar Friday, Feb. 19, 2021. The daily protests campaigning for civil disobedience in Myanmar are increasingly focusing on businesses and government institutions that sustain the economy.

"This is the UK\'s position, as there is undisputed evidence that non-British citizens, who are not eligible to be tried in the UK, have abused and ignored human rights, that these three individuals may not enter the UK and channel money through British banks or taking advantage of the British economy. This action targets individuals — not states — and is an attempt to demonstrate adherence to a rule-based international system and defend victims of abuse and human rights violations,” said Owen.

Meanwhile, from Myanmar, it was reported that Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing (20), a protester who was injured a week ago during a demonstration in Naypyidaw, died yesterday afternoon because of his injuries. Previously, he got treatment at hospital. (AP/AFP/REUTERS)

(This article was translated by Kurniawan Siswoko).