Observer: ASEAN's Decision Not To Invite Mynmar At The ASEAN Summit Could Be A Moment Of Contemplation

Archives - Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, some time ago. (Intermediate Doc)

JAKARTA - International Relations observer from Padjadjaran University, Teuku Rezasyah, assessed that the decision of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) not to invite Myanmar's military junta to the ASEAN Summit could provide space and momentum for contemplation for the country.

“We have to give confidence to the world that Myanmar is dealing with the situation on its own first. This is a period of contemplation for Myanmar, it does not mean that it will be expelled from ASEAN," Teuku said when contacted by Antara in Jakarta, Sunday.

ASEAN decided not to invite Myanmar's military junta to the summit and chose to invite non-political parties from Myanmar for a number of reasons, one of which Myanmar was not committed to the peace process taking place in that country.

In addition, ASEAN also did not get a good response from the Myanmar military junta regarding the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.

According to Teuku, even if Myanmar were to attend the summit, his actions would make it difficult for representatives of other ASEAN countries and provoke a response from the international community. "Even if Myanmar comes, he will be embarrassed, the world will continue to ask questions and make it difficult for other heads of state. They will be reluctant to answer Myanmar, Myanmar is there," he said.

He assessed that ASEAN's decision not to invite Myanmar's military junta was right, but that a number of steps were needed to maintain good relations among all ASEAN members and peaceful conditions in the region.

"You need to rest first. It is necessary to give a briefing from the ASEAN Chair that what we are doing is for the common good. Even if Myanmar is not at the ASEAN Summit, there will be no shock effect. There will be no resolutions or statements against them. That's what must be convinced first," he said.

Teuku added that it was unprecedented among ASEAN members not to comply with a common legal product. “Myanmar is not adhering to common commitments related to international law and is breaking its own promises. He promised within a year of holding elections, nor did he depose any public representatives. There is no moral commitment," he said.

He explained the various factors that made Myanmar take such an attitude, one of which was that Myanmar's trade relations with ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, were not strong.

So, he continued, lowering ASEAN's bargaining power compared to China, which is considered close to Myanmar. “Myanmar and Indonesia's internal trade is not high. Myanmar's trade focuses on Indochina. Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei too dare not press because we have nothing to offer. If you want concessions, there must be a take and give," he said.

In addition, according to him, Indonesia's geographical conditions are also far from Myanmar compared to China which can directly affect Myanmar.

To that end, Teuku suggested the current Chair of ASEAN, namely Brunei Darussalam, to open a limited dialogue with Myanmar. “That in the current conditions what we are doing is the world's spotlight. They will see. It's best if Myanmar stays in ASEAN, but for now Myanmar doesn't exist, let us discuss it openly. ASEAN can make decisions without everyone being present, but it is certain that Myanmar will continue to receive information," he said.