TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to criticisms labeling Indonesia as passive in responding to the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Roy Soemirat, emphasized that Indonesia's approach has been focused on tangible processes rather than a diplomatic show in front of the public.
"Not everything needs to be a public domain," said Roy, during an encounter in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta on Monday, July 28, 2025. He stressed that the most important thing for Indonesia is to ensure the existence of a genuinely ongoing diplomatic process. "Diplomacy is the art of statecraft, not just a matter of stagecraft," he added.
Roy stated that when tensions escalated, one of the high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was immediately tasked with engaging through the ASEAN forum. This step was taken to enable immediate actions that could prevent further casualties. However, he was reluctant to detail the parties that had been approached. "The activity is tangible, but perhaps I cannot mention each one individually," he said.
Coordination with ASEAN Chairman
According to Roy, since the beginning of the crisis, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs has been in intensive communication with Malaysia as the Chairman of ASEAN this year. "Since the escalation in the field a few days ago, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been in extensive communication with various parties," he said.
Indonesia, said Roy, also adheres to the principles of peaceful settlement as regulated in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. "All problems can only be resolved sustainably through dialogue. Not through violence," he said.
Roy also recalled Indonesia's experience when leading ASEAN in 2011, during similar dynamics. At that time, Indonesia was mandated to be a mediator. "We conveyed our readiness if there are specific things needed by Malaysia as the Chairman of ASEAN to assist the two member countries," he said.
Ceasefire Agreed
On Monday night, Thailand and Cambodia officially agreed to a ceasefire after five days of clashes at the border, resulting in 35 deaths and the displacement of more than 200,000 residents. The agreement was announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, who led the mediation in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
"An immediate and unconditional ceasefire will take effect from 24:00 local time, midnight on July 28, 2025," said Anwar in a press conference. The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, referred to the agreement as an opportunity to restore relations. "The solution just announced by Prime Minister Anwar will be a prerequisite for our bilateral discussions to return to normal in our relationship," he said.
The Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, also affirmed that their country is committed to resolving the conflict peacefully. "We agree to a ceasefire with a guarantee that it will be carried out in good faith by both parties," he stated.
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