Foreign Minister Sugiono Wants ASEAN And Bali Process To Continue To Be Strengthened
JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono wants ASEAN and Bali Process to continue to be strengthened to protect vulnerable communities and irregular migration.
Speaking at the "High Level Conference on the Situation of the Rohingya Muslim and Other Minors in Myanmar" in a series of the 80th General Assembly of the United Nations at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia is ready to take firm action against criminal acts of trafficking in persons (TPPO) to human smuggling.
Foreign Minister Sugiono reminded that the vulnerability of Rohingya residents was exploited by transnational crime networks, including trafficking in persons and human smuggling.
"Thousands of people have arrived at Indonesian beaches in recent years. Many of them are victims of trafficking in persons and human smuggling," said Foreign Minister Sugiono during the meeting, as quoted from his speech shared by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, October 1.
Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized that Indonesia would act decisively against the criminal network. However, he also reminded that no country can act alone.
"ASEAN and Bali Process must continue to be strengthened. Continuous solutions must be designed with a real regional perspective and based on shared responsibility," explained Foreign Minister Sugiono.
"Both ASEAN and Bali Process are very important in dealing with illegal migration and protecting vulnerable communities," he said.
Foreign Minister Sugiono stressed that the Rohingya refugee crisis cannot be separated from the Myanmar crisis. Eternal peace can only be achieved by overcoming the root causes through inclusive dialogue, in line with Five-Point Consensus.
SEE ALSO:
"Only then can all stakeholders be represented and the path to democracy, as well as a safe and dignified return to the Rohingya people," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.
To note, "Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime" or popular with Bali Process is a cooperation platform initiated by Indonesia and Australia to discuss issues of human trafficking, human smuggling and other transnational crimes in the region.