ASIATODAY.ID, LAOS – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi voiced five important issues at the Retreat Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers on 25 July 2024 in Vientiane, Laos, namely the issue of ASEAN centrality, AOIP, Myanmar, the South China Sea and the issue of Palestine.
First, regarding the importance of ASEAN not being a proxy for any power. Once ASEAN becomes a proxy, it will be difficult for ASEAN to play its central role and remain an ‘anchor’ for the realization of peace and stability in the region.
Second, regarding the sustainability of AOIP implementation. Indonesia ensures that the implementation of AOIP remains mainstream both in ASEAN activities and with its dialogue partners.
As a follow-up to last year’s ASEAN Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF), this year the 2nd AIPF Meeting will be held on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane next October. Indonesia also hopes that AIPF can be held in Malaysia next year.
The business community (ABAC Indonesia) is currently preparing the formation of the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Business Network.
For the sustainability of AOIP, Minister Retno further proposed an Indonesian initiative so that ASEAN could prepare and agree on the AOIP Declaration as the main reference for regional architecture, as stated in the Concord IV document.
Third, regarding the Myanmar issue. Minister Retno expressed her disappointment regarding Myanmar’s lack of progress on the 5PC.
He also conveyed again that the situation in Myanmar was getting worse, marked by, among other things, increasing internal conflict which had led to an increase in internal refugees; increasing various cross-border criminal activities, including online scams and illegal drug trafficking where the majority of victims are citizens of Southeast Asian countries. UNODC data shows that there has been an increase in opium trade in Myanmar.
This increasingly worrying condition requires all ASEAN member countries, including all parties in Myanmar, to restore trade and stability in Myanmar.
In the future, Minister Retno suggested several things, including:
First, ensuring that 5PC remains the main reference for ASEAN’s efforts. Without progress in implementing 5PC, Myanmar’s participation in the Foreign Minister’s meeting and the ASEAN Summit needs to be maintained (no political representation).
Second, the need to increase humanitarian assistance. Minister Retno said that this year Indonesia had provided humanitarian assistance to Myanmar amounting to US$500,000 for rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities through the International Red Cross (ICRC). Indonesia will also distribute the polio vaccine in September this year.
Indonesia also welcomed Thailand’s cross-border humanitarian assistance initiative and emphasized the need for assistance to be carried out in an inclusive and transparent manner at all levels, from planning to implementation.
Minister Retno also expressed the need for the ASEAN Troika informal mechanism for Myanmar to continue. Apart from that, he also emphasized the need for ASEAN synergy with the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar in mobilizing and managing aid for Myanmar. Indonesia also supports holding a meeting of Myanmar’s Special Envoys.
Third, the need to ensure inclusive dialogue. Even though up to now there has been no desire for dialogue from stakeholders, Retno emphasized that inclusive dialogue is the only way to create lasting peace and stability in Myanmar.
“ASEAN must continue to strive to encourage this inclusive dialogue to build mutual trust between stakeholders,” said Retno.
Fourth, regarding the South China Sea issue. Minister Retno said that the escalation in the region was increasingly real and worrying.
“One wrong step in the South China Sea will turn a small fire into a terrible firestorm,” he said.
Minister Retno reiterated the importance of completing the CoC (Code of Conduct).
“Managing security issues in the region depends on us. “Now is the right time to translate commitments into real action, including through the completion of the Practical Guidelines to Accelerate CoC which we agreed to last year,” stressed Retno.
Fifth, regarding the Palestinian issue. Retno encouraged ASEAN to unite in voicing an end to the genocide and an immediate permanent ceasefire in Palestine.
As an Organization that is rules-based and where member countries are committed to respecting International Law, it is important for ASEAN to voice the importance of respecting international law consistently, without exception, including for Palestine.
“ASEAN must continue to push for the implementation of Resolution 2735. ASEAN is also important to support the Legal Fatwa (Advisory Opinion) from the International Court of Justice,” he said. (AT Network)
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