"We (Indonesia) open engagement (two-way communication) as the chairperson (of ASEAN) as broadly as possible so that we listen to their views and try to bridge the difference in positions," she said when asked about Indonesia's contribution as the chair of ASEAN to resolving the conflict in Myanmar.
This was conveyed by Marsudi after attending a limited meeting with President Joko Widodo to discuss preparations for the ASEAN Summit at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
She said that resolving the conflict in Myanmar will not be easy, but Indonesia, as ASEAN chair, will continue to try and build communication.
She revealed that the efforts made by Indonesia in Myanmar have included communicating with the Myanmar military, with the National Unity Government of Myanmar (NUG), as well as Ethnic Armed Groups, and several political parties there.
As for the decision reached during the previous summit, Myanmar will be invited to the 2023 ASEAN Summit at a non-political representative level because of the conflict that is still going on in that country, Marsudi informed.
She also stated that at the ASEAN Summit, there will be two meeting sessions, namely the plenary session and the retreat session.
During the retreat session, she said, the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar would be discussed.
The Five-Point Consensus was developed by ASEAN leaders through a special meeting, which was also attended by the leader of the Myanmar junta, General Min Aung Hlaing, to help Myanmar overcome its political crisis.
The Five-Point Consensus calls for an end to violence in Myanmar, dialogue with all stakeholders, the appointment of a special envoy to facilitate mediation and dialogue, allowing ASEAN to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar, and allowing the special ASEAN envoy to visit and meet with stakeholders in Myanmar.
According to Marsudi, during the retreat, the leaders of ASEAN countries will review the consensus.
She further emphasized that, according to President Joko Widodo's direction, this year's ASEAN Summit will discuss the Myanmar issue, but ASEAN's priority will remain efforts to accelerate the development of the ASEAN community, whose benefits are always sought by the ASEAN community.
"So what are the benefits of ASEAN matters for its people, this is what ASEAN leaders must answer," said Marsudi.
The main event of the ASEAN Summit will take place in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on May 10–11, 2023. Various preparations have been made by the government at the venue for the event.
Some time ago, President Joko Widodo also directly inspected the locations that will serve as venues for the ASEAN Summit. According to Minister Retno, all preparations related to the ASEAN Summit are on the right track.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu Asmara, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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