On 13 October 2017, the Bali Process Consultative Mechanism was first activated in response to the urgent irregular migration crisis in the Myanmar-Bangladesh border region – Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal, the Rohingya crisis, and possible mass irregular maritime movements.
The sudden escalation in violence in Rakhine State on 25 August 2017 led to a mass exodus of Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh. During the crisis, dozens perished while crossing the Naf River, which divides the two States.
Indonesia (under Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi) and Australia (under Foreign Minister Julie Bishop) co-chaired the first Bali Process Consultation Mechanism meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meeting facilitated confidential dialogue between Senior Official representatives of the Bali Process Steering Group and affected countries. Following the triggering of the Consultation Mechanism in 2017, the Co-Chairs also undertook two ‘Good Offices’ visits to Myanmar and Bangladesh in May 2018 and November 2019.