Regarding Myanmar, harm to human values cannot be tolerated
Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggar (ANTARA) - Indonesia will talk to stakeholders in Myanmar for the sake of humanity in a country disrupted by armed conflict since the military put down a democratically-elected government in February 2021, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated.

"Indonesia is ready to talk to anyone, including the junta and all stakeholders in Myanmar, for the benefit of humanity," he noted during a closing press conference at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday.

According to Jokowi, this effort aligns with the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) that mandates ASEAN to approach all stakeholders in Myanmar in addressing the country's problems.

The president also emphasized that the principle of inclusivity must be applied by ASEAN countries since the credibility of the regional cooperation organization is at stake in addressing the Myanmar issue. Nevertheless, he remarked that the ASEAN had zero tolerance to the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

"Regarding Myanmar, harm to human values cannot be tolerated," he emphasized.

Jokowi also reminded that an approach to all stakeholders in order to bridge the problems in Myanmar does not mean giving recognition to those concerned. Hence, he admitted to having conveyed to ASEAN leaders that ASEAN unity was of utmost importance.

"Without unity, it will be easy for other parties to divide ASEAN. I am sure that no ASEAN country wants that. No party within or outside ASEAN should benefit from the internal conflict in Myanmar. Violence must be stopped, and the people must be protected," he urged.

Earlier, in the series of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, the participating countries issued a joint statement to support Indonesia's efforts to continue dialogue with stakeholders in Myanmar.

Through the statement, member countries also support President Jokowi's statement in response to the recent attacks on the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and the ASEAN monitoring team in Myanmar.

"We support the efforts of the Chair of ASEAN, including Indonesia's efforts in continuing the involvement of stakeholders in Myanmar, and encouraging progress on the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus," according to one of the points in the statement released on Wednesday.

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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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