Indonesia hopes for positive progress in Myanmar after Suu Kyi placed under house arrest

The transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest represents a step and positive progress. Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Foreign Minister (Menlu) Sugiono hopes that Myanmar’s authorities will continue policies towards a more positive direction after granting amnesty to political prisoners and transferring Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest. During the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday, Sugiono highlighted the new Myanmar government’s efforts to communicate with all parties and stakeholders in the country. “The release of political prisoners and the transfer of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest represent a step and positive progress towards a positive direction,” Sugiono said in a written statement received in Jakarta. Indonesia also encourages the new Myanmar government to continue working with ASEAN to restore national stability, ease hostilities and warfare, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. “Therefore, we, as ASEAN, will work together to help Myanmar in the process of restoring its stability,” Sugiono stated. On the same occasion, Sugiono also urged the strengthening of ASEAN cooperation in addressing the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East and the common challenges currently faced. “In an increasingly uncertain world, ASEAN remains a trusted, stable, and reliable partner,” Sugiono said. The AMM in Cebu on Thursday was held as part of the events leading up to the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. The meeting was conducted under the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship with the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” focusing on joint responses to the situation in the Middle East and its potential impacts on the region. Sugiono will accompany Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the 48th ASEAN Summit on Friday (8/5). Throughout the series of meetings, Indonesia will continue to promote ASEAN unity and centrality in building regional resilience as well as ensuring food and energy security.