No Progress on the Implementation of ASEAN's Five Point of Consensus on Myanmar

KONTAN.CO.ID - JAKARTA The meeting of the leaders of ASEAN countries resulted in a document that was agreed upon at the Retreat Session of the 43rd ASEAN Summit held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Jakarta, Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that the result of the meeting had ratified a document containing the ASEAN leaders' review of the implementation of the five-point consensus (5PC) in resolving the Myanmar issue.

The document is named ASEAN Leaders Review and Decision on the Implementation of Five Point Consensus.

"The conclusion is that there is no significant progress in the implementation of the Five Points of Consensus,” said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

At the meeting, the ASEAN leaders reviewed the implementation of the Five Point of Consensus in accordance with the mandate from the 40th and 41st Summits as an effort to resolve the problems in Myanmar.

However, Foreign Minister Retno stated that the ASEAN leaders decided that the Five Points of Consensus remains the main reference in resolving the problems in Myanmar.

All ASEAN leaders understand the complex and difficult situation that is still occurring in Myanmar.

After discussions, the ASEAN leaders decided that the Five Points of Consensus remains the main reference, urging and cessation of violence, and continuing engagement with stakeholders in Myanmar.

In addition, according to Foreign Minister Retno, at the meeting, the leaders of the ASEAN countries agreed to form a troika for the sustainability of handling the Myanmar issue.

The step to form a troika was taken because the leaders of the countries believed that the situation would not change significantly in one year.

“Because of ASEAN's commitment to continue helping the people of Myanmar, it was agreed to form a troika between the current chair, previous chair, and next chair. Non-political representation of Myanmar is maintained. The ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 will be held by the Philippines,” she added.

Regarding the sustainability of humanitarian aid, Foreign Minister Retno confirmed ASEAN's commitment to continue sending aid to Myanmar.

The leaders of the ASEAN countries appreciated Indonesia's efforts as the holder of the ASEAN chairmanship in increasing the delivery of aid to the people of Myanmar.

“For humanitarian aid, there has been progress, which initially only had to be done through the SIC channel, now the AHA Centre can provide humanitarian aid to those in need,” said Foreign Minister Retno.