Indonesia Pushes for Implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus

President Jokowi meets with ambassadors and permanent representatives of friendly countries, Sunday (01/29). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

Indonesia affirmed its commitment to push for the implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus which aims to help resolve the issue of Myanmar.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in a press statement after kicking off Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship, Sunday (01/29).

“We are consistent to ensure the implementation of the five-point consensus,” he said.

In the meantime, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno LP Marsudi said that the Myanmar issue will be discussed in the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Jakarta next month. The five-point consensus will serve as the main platform and mechanism for ASEAN to help Myanmar to overcome the crisis.

She went on to say that Indonesia has relayed message to the Myanmar’s military junta that implementation of the consensus is ASEAN’s only approach to help Myanmar. Unfortunately, there is no sign of significant progress up until now.

“We strive to invite all sides in Myanmar to implement the five-point consensus,” Retno added.

The Minister also explained that the priority of Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship is speeding up ASEAN community development for the advancement of people of all ASEAN countries. Therefore, Indonesia expressed hope that the Myanmar issue will not hamper the ongoing processes in ASEAN.

“We indeed have the obligation to help Myanmar to overcome its political crisis but we don’t want this issue to hamper all ongoing processes in ASEAN. We want to make sure these processes continue,” Retno remarked. (FID/BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN)(RAS/MMB)