REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MANILA -- President Joko Widodo expressed hope that the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State would be resolved soon.

"We are concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State and understand the complexity of the problem. However, we cannot remain silent," President Widodo noted in his speech during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit held at the Philippines International Convention Center in Manila on Monday.

According to Bey Machmudin, deputy for protocol, press, and media of the Presidential Secretariat, President Widodo remarked that the solidarity and trust among ASEAN member countries were needed to overcome the humanitarian crisis.

"The humanitarian crisis is not only a concern for ASEAN member countries but also the world," the president said.

The crisis should be addressed soon in an attempt to maintain security and stability of the region.

"We must move together. The ASEAN should not remain silent," the president affirmed.

The president pointed out that Indonesia had provided humanitarian assistance in addressing the crisis.

Indonesia has submitted a 4 + 1 formula for Rakhine, including supporting the implementation of Kofi Annan's recommendations, the president said.

Indonesia also recorded a speech "Report to the People" of State Counselor of Myanmar.

The three points in the speech -- repatriation and humanitarian assistance; resettlement and rehabilitation; and development and durable peace -- should be implemented, the president emphasized.

The discussion on repatriation between Bangladesh and Myanmar should be resolved and implemented soon, the president emphasized.

The president also expressed hope that the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) would be offered full access to assistance.

The AHA Center's activities in Myanmar will be favorable for Myanmar and the ASEAN, the president noted.

At the end of his speech, the president reiterated that the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State should be resolved soon.

"We must prove to our society and the world that we are capable of handling our problems," the president pointed out.

Beneficial for The World

In his speech, President Widodo said the ASEAN has stood strong for five decades and has been able to create an ecosystem of stability, peace, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.

"However, we must not be satisfied with this achievement. Our future challenges remain heavy," the president remarked.

Hence, the president said, the ASEAN must unite to maintain its centrality.

"We must be able to make an ASEAN that is respected by its society and the world," the president emphasized.

It requires strong collective leadership to respond to future challenges, the president said.

"Let us make ASEAN a solid and beneficial association for its people and the world," the president remarked.

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