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Light of hope in Myanmar
Assuming that this new government can show credibility ... there is no reason for the international community, including Indonesia, not to give its swift recognition.
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he new National Unity Government in Myanmar, which was announced on Friday, raises hopes that the various forces opposing the military rulers are finally organizing themselves. This could galvanize the opposition to the military, which has ruled the country by force since it took power on Feb. 1. Some 700 people have been killed as the military violently suppressed dissent.
The new government, announced in a 10-minute video released globally, comprises ousted members of parliament and leaders of anticoup protests and ethnic minorities. Former House of Representatives speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than was named prime minister, while President U Win Myint and State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who were ousted by the coup and have been detained since February, retained their positions. The new government also appointed a 15-member Cabinet.
Assuming that this new government can show credibility and that it truly represents the diverse voices of Myanmar, including minority ethnic groups that have been fighting for autonomy, there is no reason for the international community, including Indonesia, not to give its swift recognition. A credible government that is supported by the international community is exactly what the Myanmar people need.
The fight to end the brutal military rule and restore peace and democracy in Myanmar, in the final analysis, must be led by the people of Myanmar. The outside world has watched, feeling helpless, at the unfolding tragedy in Myanmar these past two months, but also with admiration at the spirit and courage shown by the young people taking to the streets to reject the military takeover.
Barring a military intervention under the United Nations’ Responsibility to Protect mechanism, there is little that the world can do in Myanmar. The swift international condemnation has fallen on deaf ears, and economic sanctions have not stopped the junta from ending its brutal actions against protesters. Now, a swift recognition of the new government would be a morale booster.
Can the new unity government give these young protesters the leadership they need?
The emphasis on unity is important because the world has to be convinced that in spite of its diversity, a democratic Myanmar will not break up into small states along ethnic lines. The decision to work toward a federal system of government and the creation of a federal army are important to appease the country’s minority ethnic groups, who have felt the heaviest brunt of the military’s repression, and convince them to join the government. It is also important to destroy the long-held myth or claim that the military is the only force in Myanmar that can hold the nation together.
The announcement of the new government should change the format of the upcoming ASEAN summit scheduled for April 24 in Jakarta.
Assuming that the new unity government wins international support and recognition, it deserves representation at the meeting. As host, Indonesia should closely watch the development on the ground in Myanmar and the reaction of the international community in the next few days before deciding who from Myanmar should take the seat.
