"We will also 'untangle' any challenges and hindrances we are facing so far,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs is hoping to help resolve the ongoing Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, whose effects have spilled over into the Southeast Asian region. "Our priorities, in line with Indonesia's position, include addressing the Rohingya issue in Myanmar," Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, said here on Tuesday.

Indonesia, as part of ASEAN, must play a role in resolving the conflict and help broker peace between the Rohingya people and the Myanmar government, he added.

As the resolution of the Rohingya crisis would improve geopolitical conditions in the region, the coordinating ministry will carry out a new analysis of the conflict before deciding on the best strategy to achieve peace in Myanmar.

"We will also 'untangle' any challenges and hindrances we are facing so far," Gunawan added.

He informed that his side will also strive to maintain cordial relations with countries in the South Pacific region. To achieve this goal, he suggested stronger cooperation between Indonesia and South Pacific countries.

Maintaining friendly relations and cooperation with other countries will also help Indonesia bolster its political and military stature on the international stage, he said.

"We are keen to be a good neighbor, and we want to maintain cordial relations (with other countries) to benefit ourselves," he added.

The primary strategy sought by ASEAN to resolve the Myanmar issue, including the Rohingya crisis, is the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, as stated by former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos on October 9, 2024.

Retno added that ASEAN is also determined to maintain dialogue with all parties involved in the Myanmar issue since "the alternative of talks will be violence," which should be avoided at all costs.

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Translator: Walda Marison, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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