While other international bodies have clearly stated their views on the junta’s attack, thought to be one of the deadliest since the coup, no ASEAN nation had issued a statement as of Wednesday night.
SEAN leader Indonesia has lent its voice in condemning junta-ordered airstrikes in Myanmar’s northwestern region of Sagaing, which reportedly killed up to 100 people and elicited a global outcry against continuing violence in the Southeast Asian nation.
Indonesia, which chairs the regional organization this year in its efforts to facilitate peace in Myanmar, strongly condemned the air strikes and called for an end to all forms of violence, “particularly the use of force against civilians”.
“This would be the only way to create a conducive environment for an inclusive national dialogue to find a sustainable peaceful solution in Myanmar,” Jakarta said in a statement issued on Thursday morning.
It also reiterated a regional commitment to continue assisting Myanmar “in seeking a workable and durable solution to the ongoing crisis” through the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), a peace plan endorsed by Southeast Asian leaders that the ruling junta has roundly defied.
Tuesday’s attack, confirmed by the coup regime on Wednesday, came barely a week after Indonesia said diplomatic progress was being made in the country, despite the continued efforts of its military rulers to quash resistance to their 2021 overthrow of a democratically elected government.
Myanmar’s National Unity Government, consisting of former lawmakers from ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, called the strikes a “heinous act”.
The airstrike was carried out by a fighter jet and a helicopter during an event held by a local defense force office affiliated with the junta’s opponents, AFP reported.
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.