As de facto regional leader Indonesia cannot just stand by; it must help end the prolonged crisis the Myanmar people have endured and bring political and economic stability back to ASEAN.

Foreign Minister Sugiono’s meeting with Myanmar’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, on June 8 was a good start for the expected shuttle diplomacy. This marked the first official visit of an Indonesian cabinet member to the war-torn country since Gen. Hlaing toppled the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

President Prabowo has a strong chance to replicate the achievements of Indonesia’s sixth president, former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). During his two five-year terms from 2004 to 2014, SBY played a key role in convincing Myanmar’s generals to reform their military and political systems, ultimately allowing for democratic general elections.

We suggest that President Prabowo consult with SBY, and if necessary, appoint him as the President’s special advisor or envoy for Myanmar. Given their strong personal bond, dating back to their stint in the Military Academy in 1970s, it is highly likely that SBY would accept the request.

Back in 2007, SBY sent reformist retired general Agus Widjojo to talk with junta leader Thein Shwe and other generals, while maintaining intensive personal communication with Shwe himself. SBY won the trust of Myanmar’s military top brass because, as a retired general, he had won Indonesia’s first direct presidential election in 2004.

This trust yielded massive results. In 2011, the military started to ease its tight control and allowed democratic icon Suu Kyi to return to active politics. The junta's concessions rewarded Myanmar with a major ASEAN prize: hosting the ASEAN Summit for the first time in 2014.