Kofi Annan Praises Indonesia in Helping Resolve Rakhine Conflict

President Jokowi meets with Kofi Annanat BICC, Bali, Thursday (8/12). (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Rahmat)

Former United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is now Chairman of the Advisory Committee for Rakhine State (Myanmar), appreciates measures taken by the Indonesian Government in helping to resolve the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine State, Myanmar.

“Measures taken by Indonesia are concrete measures because the Indonesian Government not only directly speaks with the Myanmar Government, but we involve mass organizations as well, including Islamic community organizations,” said Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi to reporters after accompanying President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo meeting with Kofi Annan, at Bali International Convention Center, Nusa Dua, Bali, Thursday (8/12).

According to Retno, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo has also given an instruction to her to continue maintaining communication with the Myanmar Government as well asother parties who put concern toward the latest situation in Rakhine State.

Retno added that officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already met shortly with the team led by Kofi Annan inYangon, Myanmar, and has also expressed concern and hopes of the Indonesian Government so that the Rohingya community in Rakhine State can be protected and their basic rights can be respected equallyand inclusively.

“What is also important is that we are ready to help. So everything is complete in one package,” the Minister said.

Retno added that what is important to be done is giving humanitarian aids. Therefore, President Jokowi has instructed her not only to talk about the latest situation in Rakhine State but also about humanitarian issues.“We are ready. The President has instructed to accelerate sending of humanitarian aids,” the Minister said.

For a long-term plan, the Minister further said, there are several things needed and this has already been discussed between Retno and Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi when they met in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, on Tuesday (6/12).

Some of those things are cooperation on capacity building, both in good governance and in human rights issues. “We have actually implemented this program but we will continue implementing it because this is still also considered important by the Myanmar Government,” Retno said.

In addition, Retno said that cooperation in the context of interfaith dialog would also be intensified because the ongoing conflict in Rakhine State is also about a horizontal conflict between communities.

Furthermore, the Minister said, as was discussed by Kofi Annan, there is also a possibility that a training will be given, for example the one related to community policy. (UN/RAH/ES)(EP/YM/Naster)