Ahmad Qisa'i's letter, Urging democracy in Burma, published in The Jakarta Post on Jan. 16, appears to incorrectly interpret a statement made by Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda. It argues that Hassan's statement interferes in Burma's internal affairs.
The principle of nonintervention is a cardinal principle in international relations. It is embodied in the UN Charter, and thus it is not just an ASEAN principle. Indonesia herself assiduously upholds that principle. I am of the view that the statement by Hassan on the need for Burma to move toward democracy does not constitute intervention for two reasons.
First, a new paradigm has developed within ASEAN whereby its members see themselves as a big family that advises and assists one another. One concrete example of this is Indonesia's unilateral decision to brief ASEAN member on the situation in Aceh, and subsequently to invite some ASEAN countries to take part in the implementation of the peace deal through the Aceh Monitoring Mission. Thailand also briefed its fellow ASEAN members on the security situation in its southern provinces.
Second, Hassan's statement noticeably referred to Burma's own commitment to a road map to democracy. Indeed, a conspicuous gap remains between what was initially pledged and what has been done.
Hence, Hassan's statement ought to be understood as his genuine effort to advise Burma to show concrete progress in implementing its own road map to democracy.
This new paradigm is truly a positive development should ASEAN wish to become a true regional community in which its members care for one another, trust one another and are willing to take collective responsibility for the resolution of the problems facing the region.