Restoring Myanmar’s Democracy

Retno LP Marsudi stated that democracy must be the foundation of relations between nations. Democracy is emphasized in the ASEAN Charter, but the circumstances of Myanmar do not align with democratic principles.

KOMPAS/KRIS MADA

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi opened the Bali Democracy Forum 2023, Thursday (8/12/2022), in Badung, Bali..

BADUNG, KOMPAS – The coup in Myanmar, which has lasted almost two years, remains an issue for ASEAN. Indonesia and ASEAN will make continuous efforts to restore Myanmar’s democracy. These efforts, however, also require the commitment of the Myanmar military junta.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said democracy is emphasized in the ASEAN Charter, but developments in Myanmar thus far had not been in accordance with democratic principles. “Myanmar’s situation will not improve,” she said on the sidelines of the opening of the 15th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) on Thursday (8/12/2022), in Badung, Bali.

With the theme “Democracy in a Changing World: Leadership and Solidarity,” 323 people attended the BDF from 112 countries. Among the attendees, 52 attended virtually.

Ukrainian Ambassador to Indonesia Vasyl Hamianin and Palestianian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair al-Shun were amongst those attending in person. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a virtual address. Meanwhile, Myanmar, like in 2021, was not invited by Indonesia.

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Retno stated that conditions in Myanmar had not shown any improvement. Until now, the junta has refused to implement the five-point consensus of the ASEAN leaders’ agreement. The agreement was made by ASEAN leaders at a meeting, which was also attended by Myanmar junta leader Ming Aung Hlaing in Jakarta in April 2021.

The five points of the agreement include: the immediate cessation of violence and restraint by all parties; constructive dialogue among all parties; humanitarian aid coordinated by ASEAN; the appointment of an ASEAN special envoy; and the special envoy’s visit to Myanmar.

Thus far, only a special envoy has been appointed, but even the special envoy’s visit to Myanmar has not been in line with ASEAN’s wishes. “If the junta does not implement the five-point consensus, the situation in Myanmar cannot improve,” said Retno.

As chair of ASEAN 2023, Indonesia will attempt to implement the five points of the agreement. Before any other ASEAN leader makes a decision, Indonesia will use the agreement as a guide to help Myanmar overcome its political crisis.

KOMPAS/COKORDA YUDISTIRA

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi (center) at the opening of the 15th Bali Democracy Forum in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, Thursday (8/12/2022).

Retno emphasized that ASEAN could only help Myanmar resolve its problems, but Myanmar’s crisis could only be resolved by domestic parties, including the junta.

ASEAN’s attitudes toward the junta grows tougher. ASEAN has already refused to invite Myanmar’s leaders to summits twice. Myanmar may only be represented by an official at the level of director-general at ASEAN forums.

Indonesia has openly expressed concern regarding the developments in Myanmar. At the ASEAN Summit last November, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed fear that violence in ASEAN would destabilize the region.

Cross-country relations

Retno also discussed the application of democratic values in cross-country relations. For Indonesia, the value of democracy must be the foundation of relations between nations. Indonesia continues to promote democratic values in international relations. “International norms and global governance should not only be determined by a handful of countries,” she said.

Democracy must not only be adopted within the country. Democratic values must also be applied between countries. “Do not use the take it or leave it [approach]. [That approach] is not democracy,” said Retno.

She believes that consistent implementation of democracy in international relations can defuse geopolitical tensions. Indonesia adopted democratic principles in international relations during, among other things, its Group of 20 presidency. “Democratic values, such as inclusivity and dialogue, served as Indonesia’s guide during the G20 presidency, which produced good results amid much pessimism at the time,” said Retno.

In the region, according to Retno, democratic principles are also needed to keep Southeast Asia peaceful and free from conflict. Peace in Southeast Asia will enable ASEAN to bring peace to a larger stage, namely the Indo-Pacific.

Do not use the take it or leave it [approach]. [That approach] is not democracy.

Meanwhile, Guterres also highlighted the declining trend of democracy. “We are living in times of shock and tension. Divisions are growing, citizens are hurting, democracy is declining, citizens’ freedoms are being curtailed. We must act,” he said virtually.

Guterres invites citizens around the world to defend and revive democracy as well as encourage respect for law and human rights, which include economic, social, political and cultural rights. “We need to uphold democratic principles such as inclusivity and dialogue, which serve as a reference point in renewing mutual agreements. They are the keys to sustainable development, peace and stability,” he said.

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Retno also mentioned the decline in democracy as was highlighted by Guterres. Several independent institutions have observed a decline in democracy. Moreover, these declines are seen in countries that have implemented democracy.

Retno’s statement aligns with the conclusions of the Freedom House agency that monitors developments in global democracy. The agency noted that the United States is one of the countries with the worst decline in democracy. The downward trend of US democracy began since the George Bush administration.

The US government and legislature are hostage to one another. Electoral districts are tampered with to ensure a certain candidate’s victory in the election. Meanwhile, racial discrimination is still a common occurrence. (AFP/REUTERS)

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.