In a series of diplomatic efforts, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has urged the Myanmar military to open humanitarian access, particularly for political detainees.
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ROBERTUS BENNY DWI KOESTANTO / MAHDI MUHAMMAD
·2 minutes read
KEMENTERIAN LUAR NEGERI RI
Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS— In a series of diplomatic efforts, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has urged the Myanmar military to open humanitarian access, particularly for political detainees. This demand was expressed by Retno in a meeting with Myanmar Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin and Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting was held at Don Muang Airport.
Since the military coup on February 1, more than 400 politicians and activists have been detained. The detainees include Myanmar’s State Councelor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi.
Besides closely observing the situation in Myanmar, Indonesia position is prioritizing the safety and well-being of Myanmar people.
After her return from Bangkok on Wednesday, Retno told reporters at a press conference in Jakarta that she had explained Indonesia’s position in a meeting with Wunna Maung Lwin. Besides closely observing the situation in Myanmar, Indonesia position is prioritizing the safety and well-being of Myanmar people.
“Indonesia urges all sides for restraint, avoiding the use violence to prevent unnecessary casualties and bloodshed,” Retno said.
Moreover, as Retno already mentioned on a few occasions, Indonesia stresses the importance of in-clusive democratic transition that involves all sides.
Retno also emphasized the need to protect the safety and well-being of the people of Myanmar.
PHOTO BY DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP
In this combination of file photos created on December 5, 2019, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) attends the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok on November 4, 2019 and Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing attends the 71th anniversary of Martyrs\' Day in Yangon on July 19, 2018.
Retno’s visit to Bangkok was a part of Indonesia’s efforts in coordinating policy within the ASEAN over Myanmar. Retno said she had communicated with foreign ministers from friendly countries, in-cluding the United States, China, Australia and Britain, as well as with United Nations Secretary-Gen-eral Antonio Guterres. “Indonesia has chosen not to stand idly by the side. To do nothing is not an option,” Retno said.
Maintaining communication
In doing so, Indonesia will communicate with all sides, including Myanmar’s Parliament or the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) as well as the Myanmar military.
According to Retno, these messages must be delivered clearly.
In the trilateral meeting, Retno asserted the importance for all member countries to respect the principals agreed in the ASEAN charters. According to Retno, these messages must be delivered clearly.
Previously, Retno planned a visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar, to convey Indonesia’s message and posi-tion, as well as the international community’s hope for a solution to the issue in Myanmar. However, the plan was cancelled.
AP PHOTO/SAKCHAI LALIT
Burmese living in Thailand hold pictures of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a protest in front of the Myanmar Embassy, in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. Myanmar\'s military has taken control of the country under a one-year state of emergency and reports say State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other government leaders have been detained.
Naypyidaw reported that Wunna Maung Lwin’s visit to Thailand was a part of the military junta’s at-tempt to build diplomatic communication with other ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, street protests still continue in Myanmar.
