ASIATODAY.ID, LAOS – Three ASEAN Foreign Ministers (Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia) specifically held an ASEAN Troika Informal Consultation meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday, July 24 2024 to discuss the increasingly worsening Myanmar crisis.
Indonesia, Laos and Malaysia are the current members of the ASEAN Troika for Myanmar.
During the meeting, Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi conveyed five urgent things to do, namely:
First, the situation in Myanmar is getting worse. He expressed his concern about the impact of the situation in Myanmar on the region.
“The worsening conditions in Myanmar have a direct impact on efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region,” said Retno.
He also expressed Indonesia’s concerns regarding the increase in cross-border crime, including online scams and illegal drug smuggling, in the region.
“Illegal activities like this have a huge impact on Southeast Asia,” he added.
Second, the increasing number of internal refugees in Myanmar. Retno said that humanitarian aid for Myanmar needs to be increased, including for Rohingya refugees. To date, only 12% of Myanmar’s humanitarian aid needs have been met. Retno emphasized that this assistance should not be politicized.
“Our commitment to Rohingya refugees can still be ASEAN’s priority,” said Retno.
Apart from that, Minister Retno said that ASEAN could synergize and cooperate with the UN Special Envoy for Myanmar to ensure the distribution of aid is effective and safe.
Third, emphasize inclusive dialogue with stakeholders. Although until now the desire for dialogue has not emerged from each stakeholder, this effort must continue to be encouraged.
Retno suggested that efforts be made to build mutual trust, with a balanced and low key approach, but while still prioritizing the 5PC principles.
Fourth, ensuring the role of other countries is an integral part of ASEAN’s efforts, including in overcoming the various impacts of the crisis in Myanmar such as the emergence of cross-border crime (online scams and drug smuggling).
Regarding this, Retno expressed Indonesia’s readiness to host a meeting of Special Envoys for Myanmar.
Fifth, strengthen Troika, especially to implement 5PC. Indonesia proposed appointing officials under the Minister to follow up on this ministerial-level Troika meeting.
Strengthening the Troika is important in order to maintain continuity and institutionalization of ASEAN’s efforts for Myanmar through the Troika.
The ASEAN Troika for Myanmar is an informal ASEAN mechanism involving 3 countries, namely the current ASEAN chair, the previous chair and the future chair, to coordinate and discuss ASEAN’s efforts for Myanmar. This mechanism is an Indonesian initiative and was established last year during Indonesia’s chairmanship to ensure the continuity of ASEAN’s efforts for Myanmar. (AT Network)
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