REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government has encouraged increased communication and mutual trust between the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh in connection with the repatriation of Rakhine State refugees. The statement was made by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at a meeting with Myanmar Home Affairs Minister Kyaw Swe on the sidelines of the 7th Bali Process Ministerial Conference in Nusa Dua, Bali, Tuesday.

On the occasion, Marsudi conveyed that the situation in Rakhine State and refugees in Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh, remained the main concern of the Indonesian government, according to a press release received by Antara on Tuesday.

The minister also stressed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' involvement in helping to restore stability in Rakhine. It was part of Kofi Annan's recommendation on the situation in Rakhine State.

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Responding to such input, Swe noted that the Government of Myanmar had welcomed its Indonesian counterpart's proposal. Swe lauded Indonesia's contribution in finding a joint solution in Rakhine State.

Since August last year, more than 700 thousand Rohingyas had fled across the border from Rakhine State in Myanmar after the army waged a brutal crackdown against the Muslim minority.

An estimated 626 thousand Rohingyas -- from last year and past displacements -- are currently living at the Kutapalong-Balukhali camp, making it the largest refugee camp in the world.

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