ASEAN Discusses to Follow Up Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar

VIVA – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) led the Retreat Session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit on the second day. This meeting discussed two significant issues, namely the review implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in Myanmar, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). 

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, President Widodo emphasized that Indonesia the chairmanship of ASEAN, this country continues to push for the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

"I must say that the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus has not made significant progress, so ASEAN unity is needed to formulate future steps," the President said at Meruorah Hotel, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, on Thursday. 

In addition, the President also reminded everyone to stop the violence in Myanmar. Together with related parties, Indonesia also continues to facilitate humanitarian assistance for the people in Myanmar, he added. 

"Through engagements with various parties, encouraging the creation of an inclusive dialog, then calling for the cessation of violence, and facilitating the settlement through the Joint Needs Assessment through the AHA Center and also channeling humanitarian assistance," the President explained. 

In front of the ASEAN leaders, the President also expressed hope that the Myanmar issue would not hamper the acceleration of ASEAN community development. According to the President, this is highly anticipated by the ASEAN community.

President Joko Widodo also said: "What I want to make sure is that the Myanmar issue should not hamper the acceleration of ASEAN community development," 

Meanwhile, regarding the implementation of AIOP, the President emphasized the need for concrete and inclusive cooperation to reduce tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

"One of them can be through the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Forum (AIPIF) as a platform for concrete cooperation with partner countries," he concluded.