Prabowo emphasises strengthening dialogue to address dynamics in the ASEAN region
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto emphasised strengthening dialogue and negotiation to address dynamics in Southeast Asia, including the situation in Myanmar and tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, as conveyed at the 48th ASEAN Summit.
According to an official statement from the Presidential Secretariat received in Jakarta on Saturday, Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that ASEAN leaders discussed the latest developments in Myanmar following the elections and the formation of a new government, with Indonesia’s position from the outset supporting the importance of an inclusive and peace-oriented political process.
“From the beginning, Indonesia’s position is that if those elections take place, the elections held must be inclusive, then able to address the problems there, and also able to bring peace, and can create a better situation,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
In addition, Indonesia also emphasised the importance of implementing ASEAN’s five-point consensus as the main foundation in resolving the Myanmar crisis. In the discussion, ASEAN leaders also highlighted several positive developments undertaken by Myanmar’s new government, which were seen as progress that needs to be appreciated by ASEAN countries.
“After the elections, there are some positive gestures that are also seen as needing appreciation carried out by the new government, including the release—if the number mentioned by the Myanmar side is over six thousand political prisoners, and also the change in status of prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi,” he said.
Foreign Minister Sugiono added that these developments are part of efforts to fulfil commitments in ASEAN’s five-point consensus. Therefore, ASEAN leaders also discussed measured steps that can be taken to continue pushing for improvements in the situation in Myanmar.
“In essence, everyone agrees that as one family in the ASEAN region, member countries must continue to give attention, concern, and continue to engage Myanmar to find the path they determine themselves in order to improve their country’s situation,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
In addition to the Myanmar issue, President Prabowo also conveyed his views on the importance of reconciliation and dialogue in responding to various border problems in the region, including tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. According to Foreign Minister Sugiono, President Prabowo emphasised that border issues should be managed through an approach of dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation that provides real benefits to the people.
“Instead of sharpening differences among us, let legal matters continue to proceed, but in the meantime, why don’t we look for positive things that we can cooperate on which can then benefit the people and citizens of each country,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono, quoting President Prabowo’s view.
This approach, according to Foreign Minister Sugiono, is also a principle that Indonesia has long practised in managing various regional issues.
“Like what we do, we seek paths and joint solutions related to problems at the borders, with dialogue, with negotiation, with cooperation,” said Sugiono.