JAKARTA: (Bernama) Malaysia and Indonesia could play a key role in reshaping Asean’s response to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, but leaders must tread carefully given the shifting dynamics on the ground, says a regional expert.
Founder of Jakarta-based think tank Synergy Policies, Dr Dinna Prapto Raharja (pic), noted that the situation remains highly complex and requires a fresh diplomatic approach, backed by strong political will.
"Indonesia and Malaysia should indeed consider pursuing a diplomatic breakthrough,” she told Bernama International News Service.
"We call it a breakthrough because making it happen requires strong political will. Such efforts rarely succeed on the first attempt, but the very act of trying gives us reason to remain optimistic.”
The Myanmar issue has gained renewed urgency following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28 and continued violence across the country.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during a Hari Raya visit to Kuala Lumpur on April 6, spoke with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, whose strong personal rapport has strengthened bilateral ties. The leaders discussed regional concerns that included the delivery of humanitarian aid to Myanmar.
Dinna, who represented Indonesia at the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) from 2016 to 2018, also urged Asean not to abandon efforts in Myanmar, but instead commit to finding new, inclusive approaches.
"The National Unity Government (NUG) needs our support because Asean cares about democracy and human rights. There can be no democracy without an opposition. And there can be no Asean credibility if human rights violations go unaddressed,” she explained.
Dinna noted that time may be running out and cautioned that limited progress from Asean could create space for other actors to step in.
In the wake of the earthquake, she called for a more inclusive humanitarian approach that engages directly with communities on the ground.
"The delivery of humanitarian assistance hinges on trust, trust that aid will be distributed fairly and without discrimination to all people in Myanmar,” Dinna said. "The crisis in Myanmar is rooted in a democracy crisis, and democracy is fundamentally about civil supremacy.”
While the road ahead is difficult, there is hope. Anwar, during a recent official visit to Thailand, held a rare meeting with representatives from Myanmar’s State Administration Council (SAC), the NUG, and the Asean Chair’s advisory group to discuss urgent humanitarian aid and potential paths toward peace. - Bernama
