the indonesian president Joko Widodo (Jokowi) chaired the Retreat session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in 2023 on the second day of the Summit. Two important issues were discussed at the meeting, which was held at the Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara on May 11, namely the review of the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, President Jokowi stressed that as the country holding the ASEAN presidency, Indonesia continues to press for progress in the implementation of the Five Point Consensus.
“I must speak frankly. Regarding the application of the Five Point Consensus, there has been no significant progress. Therefore, ASEAN unity is necessary to decide the next steps,” the president stated.
In addition, the president also reiterated the need for dialogue and an end to the violence in Myanmar. Along with relevant parties, Jokowi added that Indonesia also continues to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar.
ASEAN leaders denounce violence in Myanmar, discuss US-China rivalries
“…through engagements with various parties, we urge inclusive dialogue, call for an end to violence, facilitate the completion of the Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) through the AHA center, and deliver humanitarian aid,” said the president.
Addressing the ASEAN leaders, the president also expressed his hope that the Myanmar issue would not hinder the acceleration of development of the ASEAN community. According to the president, this is something highly anticipated by the ASEAN peoples.
“…I also want to ensure that the Myanmar issue should not hinder the acceleration of ASEAN community building, because community building is expected by the ASEAN people,” he said.
the president reiterated the need for dialogue and an end to the violence in Myanmar
Meanwhile, in connection with the launch of the AIOP, the President stressed the need for concrete and inclusive cooperation to reduce tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
“One of them is through the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum as a platform for concrete cooperation with partner countries,” he added.
