Minister Retno Emphasizes Indonesia’s Concerns during Discussion with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on Rakhine State Situation
December 7, 2016
“I once again conveyed Indonesia’s concerns over the situation in Rakhine State to State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi,” stated the RI Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi after meeting Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw, Myanmar on Tuesday evening (6/12).
Minister Retno and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi openly discussed the situation and developments in Rakhine State. The Minister underlined the importance that security and stability are restored so that inclusive development of Rakhine State can continue. In addition, the Minister hoped that the government of Myanmar continues to uphold respect and protection of human rights of the entire community of Rakhine State, particularly the Muslim minority, especially in efforts to restore stability. “The issue of inclusiveness, where the entire community has the same rights and obligations, is the key to resolving the Rakhine issue,” said the Minister.
In response, the State Counsellor of Myanmar agreed with the Minister on the importance of inclusive development.
Minister Retno also emphasized the importance of access for humanitarian aid to Rakhine, which was welcomed by the State Counsellor of Myanmar.
The State Counsellor of Myanmar also expressed her appreciation for Indonesia’s development aid thus far, including the humanitarian aid which has reached Rakhine State in the aftermath of the 9 December 2016 incident. “The Myanmar government has opened the door to humanitarian aid from Indonesia, which has made possible for aid from the PKPU to reach Rakhine State,” said the Minister.
Indonesians have provided aid for the construction of two schools in Rakhine region. The construction has been completed. Indonesia has helped build six schools in Rakhine State.
The Minister also stated that Indonesia is ready to resume cooperation in building educational and health infrastructure in Rakhine State. In this regard, the RI Minister conveyed Indonesia’s plan to help development of health facilities on a 4000 sq. meter site in Rakhine State.
In addition, as part of the effort to increase tolerance and harmony among the people of Rakhine State, Indonesia and Myanmar have agreed to increase interfaith dialog cooperation. Indonesia will also continue providing capacity building to Myanmar in the fields of good governance, democracy and human rights.
Indonesia will continue its intensive engagement, whether it is with the Government of Myanmar, the Commission led by Kofi Annan, as well as other parties who share concerns about the situation in Rakhine State.
