REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SINGAPORE -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called for ASEAN member states to help address the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine. ASEAN needs to get involved in settling the question of the Rakhine state, he said adding if the crisis goes unheeded it will have a detrimental impact on Myanmar in particular and ASEAN in general.

"I believe ASEAN is ready to help the Myanmar government create conducive situation in Rakhine state where freedom of movement is respected without discrimination and development is realized inclusively," the president or Jokowi as he popularly known said at the plenary session of the 33rd ASEAN Summit held at the Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore on Tuesday night.

Jokowi noted that the Rohingya crisis has arosed anxiety and created declining global confidence. He expressed hope that ASEAN would be able to take a forward step to settle the humanitarian crisis. For more than 50 years, ASEAN has enjoyed security and peace, he said.

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"In 1967 when the rest of the world fell apart and was trapped in power struggle between two super powers, ASEAN leaders agreed to stand united and create a peaceful and prosperous region," he said.

He further lauded the results of talks between ASEAN foreign ministers to help settle the crisis. The ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) is expected to help settle the crisis.

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