Indonesia president SBY: I'm Disappointed. This is not the ASEAN Way

As one of the leaders of ASEAN, Indonesia's President Susilo Bamabang Yodhoyono disappointed ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, did not produce a joint communique. This has never happened in the history of ASEAN and the ASEAN way instead.

"This has never happened since the ASEAN standing. Therefore, frankly, for the first time the incident caught the attention of many, both within ASEAN itself and the international community," said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told a news conference at the Presidential Office, Monday (16/7) at 11:35 pm.

The foreign ministers of ASEAN countries met in the Cambodian capital, on July 8 to 13, to discuss the disputed South China Sea. However, the meeting failed to agree on the attitude of ASEAN in the matter. President Yudhoyono received the official report on the situation of the meeting of Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, this morning, after returning from Phnom Penh.

"Frankly, as one of the leaders of ASEAN countries, I am disappointed and concerned by what had just happened at that meeting could lead to a false perception or image of ASEAN," the President stressed. As a result of this incident, he added, international media reported that ASEAN has been broken and no longer unity.

President Yudhoyono dismissed rumors schism in the body of ASEAN. "No one called disunity in ASEAN, even though there are issues, there is a problem that must be completed ASEAN. Should, any complex problem, there is always a meeting point, there is consensus and that ASEAN political and cultural traditions that run so far, known as ASEAN way, "Yudhoyono said.

Issues in the South China Sea disputes involving the PRC and ASEAN countries has indeed been raised since Indonesia became Chairman ASEAN last year. Last incident occurred between RRT with the Philippines. President SBY hoped this issue can be managed well, with a clear perspective, and with the aim of maintaining stability in the region.

"Indonesia believes, I think, while I still believe in the Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen as the Chairman of ASEAN to be able to manage this problem well. Since the meeting in Phnom Penh yesterday failed to issue a communique, would be carried out consultation, communication, and lobbying among ASEAN foreign ministers, "SBY emphasized.

Head of State asked Marty Natalegawa re-communicate with colleagues in ASEAN in the ASEAN spirit. SBY hopes will eventually create a common position (common position) ASEAN regarding the South China Sea issue.