Indonesia and Singapore express strong condemnation of an attack targeting a convoy of diplomats and an ASEAN humanitarian aid organization in Myanmar, which is currently under military rule. The two countries urge an immediate end to violence and a commitment to dialogue between conflicting groups.
According to Myanmar state media, on May 7, a convoy delivering supplies to displaced people in His Hseng township, located in northern Myanmar's Shan State, was attacked by armed individuals described as "terrorists" using small arms. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and the media outlet presented images of a pickup truck with minor damage, including broken glass from bullets.
The incident involving personnel from the Indonesian and Singaporean embassies in Yangon, as well as members of the humanitarian assistance center of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has not been attributed to any specific group. No entity has claimed responsibility for the attack at this time.
Myanmar has been grappling with a distressing combination of violence and economic instability since the military seized power from the elected government in 2021 and launched a violent crackdown on dissent. Ongoing military offensives and clashes with armed resistance groups have prompted widespread calls, including from Myanmar's neighboring ASEAN countries, to cease hostilities and allow unfettered access for humanitarian aid.
The attack coincides with a gathering of Southeast Asian leaders in Indonesia, where they are discussing the crisis in Myanmar among other important regional issues. Due to the lack of progress in implementing an ASEAN peace plan, Myanmar's military leaders have been excluded from the meeting.
Teuku Faizasyah, spokesperson for Indonesia's foreign ministry, confirmed that the Indonesian diplomat involved in the incident is in good condition. Similarly, Singapore's foreign ministry announced that the two staff members from its embassy in Yangon are safe and have returned to the city.
In a statement, Singapore's foreign ministry emphasized that only constructive dialogue involving all key stakeholders in Myanmar can lead to a peaceful solution that benefits the people of Myanmar.
The United States also strongly condemns the attack and calls on Myanmar's military to implement the peace consensus reached between its generals and ASEAN.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated on Monday that the "shootout" would not deter Indonesia and ASEAN from their efforts to promote peace in Myanmar. He urged an end to the use of force and violence, emphasizing that it is the people who will suffer as a result of such actions.
Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government, which is aligned with anti-junta militias known as the People's Defence Forces (PDF), has denied involvement in the incident. The PDF in the region has not responded to requests for comment.
Indonesia's foreign minister revealed last week that the country has been engaging with Myanmar's junta, shadow government, and armed ethnic groups for several months in an attempt to initiate a peace process.
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