Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono: The bitter lesson of conflict must not be repeated, peace must be maintained

JAKARTA - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono on Monday said that the bitter lessons from past conflicts cannot be repeated and peace must always be maintained.

This was stated by Foreign Minister Sugiono when attending the ASEAN Special Meeting of Foreign Ministers on the situation on the Cambodian-Thai border held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"Indonesia believes that Cambodia and Thailand can find a peaceful way through dialogue with the support of ASEAN," said the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs in a post on Twitter, Monday (22/12).

"Indonesia calls on both parties to exercise maximum restraint and return to the diplomatic track," he continued.

It is known that Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN this year, held a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In its official statement, the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this special meeting was held based on the decision of the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on December 11, 2025, and will be led by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand on December 11, 2025.

Attended the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on the Cambodia–Thailand situation (22/12). Indonesia believes Cambodia & Thailand can find a peaceful way forward through dialogue with ASEAN’s support. Indonesia calls on both sides to exercise maximum… pic.twitter.com/wMC2WLrGEQ

— Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (@Menlu_RI) December 22, 2025

The meeting will provide a forum for ASEAN Foreign Ministers to exchange views on the current situation between Cambodia and Thailand.

In addition, it is also to consider steps that ASEAN can take to support ongoing efforts towards de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in the interest of peace and stability between the two ASEAN member countries, as well as the wider region.

"Indonesia is ready to contribute to the ASEAN Observer Team. The bitter lesson from past conflicts must not be repeated. Peace must be maintained," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

Previously, the spokesperson for the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yvonne Mewengkang, in a meeting with the media last Friday said that in the context of ASEAN under the chairmanship of Malaysia, Indonesia has always been fully committed as one of the members (to encourage peaceful resolution), conveying Indonesia's concern over the recurrence of the Cambodia-Thailand escalation.

"These are our brothers, we will try our best to continue to find peaceful solutions related to the escalation of this conflict," explained Yvonne.

"Indonesia's position has always been a bridge builder at every opportunity. We are not only bridging various interests, but also trying to offer solutions," he said.

It is known that tensions have again occurred on the Cambodian and Thai borders earlier this month, although the two countries had signed a peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, following a long-running border dispute.

Quoted from Anadolu, the death toll on both sides since the latest escalation broke out on December 7 has reached 52 people.