On 24 April 2021 the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting was convened at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, with the view to reach a consensus on the situation in Myanmar apart from other issues such as community building efforts, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and other pressing issues of common interest to all ASEAN Member States. On the situation in Myanmar, the leaders agreed on the Five Point consensus (FPC). As the FPC marks the three-year anniversary on 24 April 2024, it is pertinent to reflect on the developments of each of these provisions. Over the period of three years, these provisions have often been criticised as mere diplomatic efforts which provide an ideal solution on paper but aren’t able to respond to the situation on the ground.
Tag: Indonesia
West Papua Conflict: Silent Struggle in Indonesia’s Easternmost Province
The conflict between Indonesia and West Papua has its roots in the decolonisation of Indonesia from the Netherlands and the disputed referendum called the Act of Free Choice in 1969. The referendum, which was widely criticised, resulted in West Papua becoming part of Indonesia. However, the process was perceived as fraudulent by many Papuans, who believe that their civil and political rights were violated during the decolonisation process. The conflict has persisted, with core grievances remaining unresolved. The Indonesian government views the Act of Free Choice as the final stage of a decolonisation process, while many Papuans see it as a fraudulent process backed by state violence and international acquiescence. The Indonesian government has been sensitive to perceived foreign intervention and has restricted efforts by journalists, diplomats and non-governmental organisations wanting to report on the conflict.