Between Principles and Actions: ASEAN and Indonesia in Dealing With The Political Crisis In Myanmar

This article explains the role of ASEAN in addressing the political crisis and human rights violations in Myanmar, focusing on Indonesia's leadership as the ASEAN Chair in 2023. Following the 2021 military coup in Myanmar, which garnered global attention, ASEAN endeavored to formulate the Five Point Consensus through a constructive approach to tackle this crisis, yet its implementation remains constrained. This article uses a case study method to evaluate ASEAN's response to Myanmar's post-coup situation. The initial adoption of the "constructive engagement" approach within the ASEAN context was aimed at resolving this crisis. However, this approach, characterized by non-interference and consensus-building, proved ineffective in driving political change in Myanmar. As the ASEAN Chair, Indonesia assumes a pivotal role in seeking more effective solutions. The study finds that ASEAN demonstrates adaptability in addressing the Myanmar crisis, transitioning from the "constructive engagement" approach to "enhanced interactions." Under Indonesia's leadership, ASEAN deployed a team of the Special Envoy for Myanmar Affairs led by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and rebuilt ASEAN's centrality through proactive mediation efforts, diplomatic coordination, engagement with external partners, and commitment to regional stability and peace. Additionally, ASEAN's intervention with restrictions on Myanmar's participation in various regional activities serves as a form of 'pressure' to encourage cooperation and accountability. Through these enhanced interactions, ASEAN and Indonesia played a more active role in mediating the crisis and promoting reconciliation among all stakeholders involved.