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JAKARTA: Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said today that Myanmar’s transition to democracy after this month’s coup must follow the wishes of its people.
His comments came after the anger of anti-coup protesters at a Reuters report that Indonesia is pushing for a plan for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to send monitors to ensure the junta holds fair elections, as promised.
Protesters (pix) they want the elected government to be restored immediately. Some called for demonstrations on social media at the Indonesian embassy in Myanmar.
“The inclusive democratic transition must be carried out in accordance with the wishes of the people of Myanmar. Any way forward is the means to this end, ”Retno said in a message sent to Reuters by his office.
“Indonesia is very concerned about the situation in Myanmar and supports the people of Myanmar. The welfare and safety of the Myanmar people is the number one priority, ”Retno said.
He called on all parties to “exercise the utmost restraint to avoid bloodshed.”
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment on whether it wanted the November 8 election result to be respected, but a spokesperson noted that Indonesian President Joko Widodo had congratulated Aung San Suu Kyi on her victory in that moment.
He also declined to comment on the Reuters report on his plan, which calls on ASEAN to mediate between the junta and the protesters.
Myanmar’s military seized power on February 1 after the electoral commission dismissed its fraud allegations after Suu Kyi’s party swept the vote. The board has promised new elections, but without setting a precise timetable.
The coup has sparked massive daily protests for nearly three weeks and strikes by many government workers.
Senior regional officials familiar with Indonesia’s proposal for Myanmar said that forcing ruling generals to comply with the promised election was the most realistic way to steer Myanmar towards representative government.
Indonesia is the largest of the 10 countries in the Asean bloc, which also includes Myanmar. – Reuters
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