Indonesia, Asean approach to Myanmar crisis complicated

Myanmar's Vice-Senior General Soe Win (centre) receiving a delegation from China that visited the junta in Naypyidaw in May to discuss military 'cooperation' between the two countries. — AFP/Myanmar Military Information Team Handout

INDONESIA assumed the role of Asean chair after Cambodia successfully completed its 2022 chairmanship. There are many concerns and expectations facing Indonesia as it leads Asean this year, such as the conflict in Myanmar, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and Asean’s stance regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Asean chair countries always have many issues to deal with, and everyone seems to have their own opinion on what each chair’s authority entails.