Indonesia Leads Efforts for Myanmar Dialogue Amid Conflict

Indonesia recently played host to a significant meeting involving various factions of the conflict in Myanmar. The meeting, held from November 20-22 in Jakarta, brought together pro-democracy groups, ethnic minority armies, and members of the shadow National Unity Government (NUG). Notably, Myanmar’s ruling junta was not directly present but was represented by “interlocutors,” according to a statement by Indonesia’s foreign ministry.

Push for Inclusive Talks

As the outgoing chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Indonesia has been spearheading efforts to initiate dialogue between the opposing camps in Myanmar. This initiative comes in the wake of the military coup against Myanmar’s elected government in 2021, which has since seen little progress towards reconciliation.

Escalating Conflict

The situation in Myanmar has recently worsened, with ethnic minority insurgents launching coordinated attacks against military positions. This uprising has become the most significant challenge to the junta since their takeover. The United Nations reports that the post-coup violence has displaced over 2 million people.

Meeting Objectives

The primary goals of the Jakarta meeting were to encourage inclusive dialogue, reduce violence, and support humanitarian efforts. These aims align with the “five-point consensus” agreed upon by Myanmar’s military post-coup. The Indonesian foreign ministry also highlighted the exchange of ‘messages’ between groups, which could lay the groundwork for future dialogue.

Positive Indications for Dialogue

Participants at the meeting showed a “positive indication” towards holding future dialogues in an inclusive and genuine manner, as per Indonesia’s statement. However, the progress has been hampered by some parties insisting on preconditions for talks.

ASEAN’s Stance and Junta’s Response

ASEAN has excluded Myanmar’s generals from its summits until they comply with the ASEAN peace plan. The bloc, increasingly impatient with the junta, remains divided on the issue. The military has labeled the NUG and its supporters as “terrorists” and has refused to engage in dialogue. A spokesperson for the junta was unavailable for comment on the discussions in Indonesia.

NUG’s Commitment to Dialogue

A spokesperson for the NUG affirmed their commitment to genuine dialogue, stating that the military should have no role in Myanmar’s political future. They emphasized the need for the armed forces to be subordinate to a civilian government.

Indonesia’s initiative marks a crucial step in attempting to resolve the deepening crisis in Myanmar, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.