Discussing Myanmar's Conflict With Singapore's PM, Jokowi: Humanitarian Aid Needs To Be Continuously Encouraged

President Jokowi with Prime Minister (PM) Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong/BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo also discussed the conflict that is currently engulfing Myanmar with the Prime Minister (PM) of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong.

This discussion was conducted in a bilateral meeting at The Sanchaya Resort Bintan, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands.

During the discussion, Jokowi emphasized that there should be no discrimination in providing humanitarian assistance to Myanmar. Because, he said, the welfare of the people of Myanmar should be the main concern.

"We also agree that the safety and well-being of the Myanmar people continues to be of primary concern. Therefore, humanitarian assistance needs to be continuously encouraged and provided without discrimination," said Jokowi as quoted by the Cabinet Secretariat website, Tuesday, January 24.

Jokowi said he was concerned about the development of the situation in Myanmar. The former governor of DKI stated that Indonesia and Singapore share the same view regarding the importance of implementing the Five-Point Consensus.

Jokowi also encouraged all parties to respect the consensus that has been taken by the ASEAN countries.

"This consensus is an ASEAN decision at a high level and must be respected by all," he stressed.

"I also conveyed the importance of strengthening ASEAN institutions so that Asia is more resilient and able to respond to new challenges in the future," said Jokowi.

Previously, Jokowi also discussed Myanmar's dispute with Cambodian Prime Minister (PM) Hun Sen by telephone.

Both emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts and problems in Myanmar and resolving disputes in the country. "The implementation of the 5-Point Consensus should not be used to support the 5-Point Roadmap of the Tatmadaw. Do not let it be linked because it can be seen as a form of ASEAN support to the Myanmar military," Jokowi said.

PM Hun Sen is known to hold the Chair of ASEAN 2022. In the telephone conversation, President Jokowi emphasized that ASEAN's approach to Myanmar must be based on mutually agreed principles, in particular the five points of consensus.