JAKARTA – Deputy chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), Sukamta, has highlighted the risk of the armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia undermining stability and security in Southeast Asia as a whole.
“What I am concerned about the most is the potential disruptions to the regional stability of ASEAN,” he said in a statement released in Jakarta on Saturday.
However, he opined that the conflict would not have a direct impact on Indonesia, considering that the country does not share a border with either warring party.
The lawmaker then underscored the importance of all ASEAN countries strengthening solidarity to bolster the region’s resilience against conflicts and their economic repercussions.
“The ASEAN region is of high strategic value —a region with economic potential and natural resources that appeal to global powers. Hence, fragile relations among ASEAN countries could leave the region prone to proxy conflicts,” Sukamta added.
He expressed the hope that tensions between Thailand and Cambodia will not escalate further, and both countries will reach an immediate ceasefire agreement.
“It should be noted that although these countries have clashed like this multiple times, history shows that they have always managed to quickly ease tensions and restore peace,” he said.
Bearing that in mind, Sukamta said he believes Thailand and Cambodia will soon find a peaceful resolution, as they fully understand the disastrous and far-reaching impacts of war.
He then urged the Indonesian government to proactively help bridge peace between the two countries through bilateral or multilateral channels.
Earlier on Friday, the Cambodian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Keo Chhea, told the media that his country has called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
On the same day, the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Bangkok will consider a ceasefire, provided it is based on “appropriate on-the-ground conditions.” (Antara)
