The President could instruct Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi to immediately consult with her ASEAN counterparts to realize the initiative, for the sake of the well-being of millions of people in Myanmar, who have had to bear the brunt of the crisis.

Indonesia should not hesitate to take this opportunity if it really intends to find a solution to the protracted conundrum in Myanmar. Since the Feb. 1, 2021, military coup in Myanmar, ASEAN has been persistent in dealing with the ensuing security and humanitarian crisis alone. Such rigidity is no longer relevant because it is evident that the Myanmar problem has spilled over to the region and beyond.

In their joint statement, issued after their summit in Jakarta in September last year, ASEAN leaders condemned the continuing acts of violence in Myanmar, which have caused prolonged suffering among the people, humanitarian crises and the destruction of public facilities, and have adversely impacted regional stability, particularly along the borders.

They decided to extend the temporary expulsion of the junta from any official meetings and functions of ASEAN until Myanmar’s military junta complies with the five-point consensus (5PC). Such a tactic has proven ineffective, which is why ASEAN needs to find alternative measures.

Under Indonesia’s chairmanship last year, ASEAN hardly made progress in solving the Myanmar cause. But now in the final months of his term, Jokowi can change the game.

Jokowi has a good personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. And the engagement of Beijing is not a naïve consideration. Whoever is in power in Myanmar, China’s influence in the country will remain strong.

The military junta has been facing more serious armed resistance in the last several months. Video footage has been spread by rebels that purportedly shows them gaining ground in Shan state, which borders China.

China was reportedly upset because the Myanmar junta ignored Beijing’s warning about the security situation at the border, where criminals are targeting Chinese nationals.

On Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Mao Ning said that China facilitated the evacuation of a number of countries’ citizens, including Thai citizens, from northern Myanmar through China to avoid conflict and will continue to maintain communication with relevant countries and provide assistance.

ASEAN worries that civil war will continue raging in Myanmar, and the people’s suffering will be prolonged. No matter how slim the chance is, Indonesia and ASEAN should not miss the opportunity to end the Myanmar crisis. China’s concern about the safety of its nationals is a starting point to open talks on peaceful settlement in Myanmar.