Manila, the Philippines (Antara Bali) - Indonesia is encouraging Myanmar and Bangladesh to cooperate in efforts to repatriate Rohingya refugees back to their homes.
To do so, both governments should immediately complete and sign a memorandum of understanding on refugee repatriation from Bangladesh back to Myanmar.
"We emphasize that the sooner the draft MoU of their repatriation is signed the better it will be and so we urge that it could be signed soon," Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila on Sunday.
Marsudi said that Indonesia is committed to continue following the development of the situation in the Rakhine State in Myanmar which folloeing a conflict between security forces and Rohingya citizens---resulted in tens of thousands of people fleeing to Bangladesh.
The minister said she has presented a 4+1 Formula to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a solution to the crisis, as well as to create peace and reconciliation in Rakhine State.
The formula consists of four main elements: restoring stability and security; maximum restraint and non-violence; protection to all those living in the Rakhine State regardless of race and religion; and immediate access to humanitarian aid.
Another one plus element is the implementation of the Advisory Commission Report's recommendations to Rakhine State led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Indonesia and ASEAN are involved in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Rakhine State. The aid delivery mechanism is led by the government of Myanmar, but it involves the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and several countries, including Indonesia and other ASEAN member countries. (WDY)
