The Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) is Indonesia’s contribution to the new dynamic era in Asia, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said. “The dialog among Asian countries in Bali Democracy Forum is Indonesia’s contribution to create and enter Asia’s new dynamic era. The initiative is not only relevant but also supported by Indonesia’s friends.”
President Yuhoyono continued that during the last 15 years there has been power shift – both in politic and economy – to Asia, so in the next 10 to 15 years Asia could be the place of every civilization. “In the meantime Indonesia’s long experience – since Soekarno’s guided democracy to Pancasila’s way of democracy in Suharto’s era and the drastic changes in the last 10 years after Soharto’s removal – makes the country deserves to host the forum.”
The forum is the very first in Asia. “We can share our best experience and learn from the practices of others,” the President added. He continued that democracy is an ongoing dynamic process so it will still be local and regional historical and cultural aspects despite the universal values. “Because of the impacts, any form of democracy has its own benefits and drawbacks. “There is no perfect model that can be solely implemented in all countries,” said President Yudhoyono.
As for Indonesia, he added, it is important to find a balance and harmony because there are many debates and discourses about individuals and security, democracy and harmony, as well as democracy and prosperity. “BDF has nothing to do with strengthening extreme movements. We have to respect each other and promote tolerance, dialogs, and a bridge among all of us, the community, culture, tribe, and regions. Once it torn apart, it will be very hard to regain.”
Bali Democracy Forum organized by Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is attended by representatives from 31 countries, a number of which are heads of state including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hasalal Bolkiah, and the Prime Minister of Timor Leste Xanana Gusmao. All members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations are participating the forum as well as other Asian countries including Japan, China, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Iraq, Jordan, Korea, Maldives, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, and India. A number of non-Asian countries attend the event as observers including Italy, UK, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Tunisia, USA, and Canada.
The forum is expected to be held annually with a working group to meet monthly. Bali Democracy Forum will also be followed up by establishing an Institute for Peace and Democracy to be based at Udayana University, which will implement ideas elaborated in the forum.
News by ANTARA
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