Indonesia Continues to Encourage All Sides to Halt Violence in Rakhine State: Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs delivers statement to the press (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Indonesia condemns the attack of armed groups against police posts and on refugee shelters in Maungtaw Rakhine State on 25 August 2017 that forced hundreds of people to leave the shelters. Moreover, the attack has caused a new cycle of violence. Indonesia also deeply deplores the loss of life as well as injured people caused by the clashes. This statement was delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L. P. Marsudi in responding the issues in Myanmar.

Minister Retno also said that Indonesia wished that the Government of Myanmar shall immediately take measures to restore security and to protect humanity inclusively. “Indonesia also encourages all sides to halt violence, to contribute to the efforts to restore security, and to respect human rights of the people in Rakhine, including the Muslims,” Minister Retno said.

According to the Minister, the situation in Rakhine is very complex. She stated that cooperation of all stakeholders are important so that peace, security, stability, as well as inclusive development can be manifested in Rakhine State.

A peaceful, secure, and stable situation in Myanmar, the Minister further said, including in Rakhine State, is important to support stability in ASEAN and sustainable development in the region. “Indonesia shall continue its cooperation with Myanmar in reconciliation process, democratization, and inclusive development, including the efforts to implement the recommendation of the report of Kofi Annan,” the Minister concluded as quoted from the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.kemlu.go.id. (HUMAS KEMLU/EN)  (MMB/YM/Naster)