BDF seeks to promote peace and stability

Thursday, 9 December 2010

The Jakarta Post

Representatives from 71 countries are slated to attend the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) on Thursday to discuss the role of democracy in promoting peace and stability. Among the topics to be discussed in interactive sessions during the two-day forum are “how a democratic system helps prevent the occurrence or escalation of violent conflict” and “why democracy and economic development are essential for peace-building”.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak will co-chair the forum with President Yudhoyono, who will officially open the talks. Two other heads of state, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, will speak at the leaders’ session, along with Nepal Deputy Prime Minister Sujata Koirala and Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.

The forum’s theme, “Democracy and the Promotion of Peace and Stability”, is relevant to the ongoing conflict in the Korean Peninsula, and would allow participants to contribute to and discuss possible solutions to the crisis between South and North Korea, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said.

The minister said the appointment of South Korea to co-host the event with Indonesia was because both countries are similar in terms of their success in transforming and consolidating their political systems from authoritarian to democratic. “The appointment is more relevant now with the situation in the Korean peninsula, especially as this year’s forum will focus on promoting peace and stability.”

However, Marty emphasized the event would be a forum to exchange views and experiences on democracy, and would not specifically discuss the conflict or aim to serve as a mediation forum for the two parties.

Countries with experience in the prevention and resolution of conflicts are expected to share their experiences. Democratic countries with advanced economies are also expected to share insights, particularly on the correlation between democracy and economic development in the maintenance of peace.

Launched in 2008, the BDF aims to establish a forum for regional cooperation in promoting political development through dialogue, and to strengthen democracy and encourage learning between countries as a way to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and beyond.

The forum is expected to produce recommendations on the role of democracy in the promotion of peace and stability, recommendations that will serve as a guide for programs and activities in 2011 at the Institute for Peace and Democracy at Bali’s Udayana University. In 2010, the institute organized various activities, including international workshops on the advancement of democracy in the region, general lectures, and election visits.