Retno said through its diplomatic efforts, Indonesia was striving to bridge communications between Myanmar and Bangladesh, whose relations had continued to worsen because of conflicts in their border areas.

She said what was being conducted by the government was one of Indonesia’s missions, namely to carry out a free and active foreign policy and to participate in maintaining world peace.

“I’m carrying out our diplomacy carefully so it will not cause a tumult because Rohingya conflicts are very sensitive issues, which relate to a fully sovereign country. The sovereignty of a country must be respected,” Retno said as quoted by Antara on Sunday.

She admitted it was not that easy to solve horizontal conflicts in Rakhine, Myanmar, because of religious sentiments that had triggered the conflicts.

To be able to participate actively in resolving the humanitarian conflicts, Retno said she did not hesitate to seek advice from leaders of religious organizations in Indonesia.

“I’ve communicated with religious leaders and Islamic organizations, asking for their input on how we can best help tackle the problems of Rohingya Muslims,” she said.

Retno further said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had ordered her to meet with Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the latter’s private residence in Myanmar recently.  

“We talked privately, discussing Rakhine problems. We agreed on the importance of the Myanmar government and ASEAN to immediately handle the situation in Rakhine,” she said.

In the meeting, Retno further said she and Suu Kyi also agreed to organize a follow up ASEAN foreign ministerial meeting to discuss Rohingya refugee problems. (ebf)

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