Jakarta,
Dec 10, 2016 (Antara) - The Bali Democracy Forum, attended by over 200
delegates from 96 countries and five international organizations, has
called for a synergy of religions, tolerance and democracy during the
two-day meeting that took place in Nusa Dua, Bali, some 20 days before
the year 2016 ends.
The theme of this year's forum is "Religion, Democracy and Tolerance,"
which is highly relevant due to the current global situation witnessing
an increase in narrow understanding of religions.
"Tolerance is needed because we are diverse," President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said in his opening remarks on Dec 8.
Religion plays a crucial role in people's lives in terms of their
social, economic and political existence on a national, regional and
global scale, he stated.
He said Islam came to Indonesia first in the 7th century with a
peaceful spirit, which Indonesian Muslims have continued to foster until
now.
"Beside Muslims, Indonesia is also home for Christians, Hindus,
Buddhists and Confucians," he said, emphasizing the importance of
tolerance and pluralism.
"There are more than 1,300 ethnic groups in Indonesia. Indonesia is the
world's largest Muslim nation. Muslims make up 85 percent of the
population of 252 million," Jokowi noted.
The Indonesian Government has been active in encouraging synergy
between democracy, religion, and tolerance, to promote harmony among
Indonesian citizens.
The head of state said it is crucial to
make sure that democracy works well, supports stability and peace, and
brings prosperity to the public.
"For that purpose, the government needs to actively encourage synergy
among democracy, religions, and tolerance," he stated.
Indonesia has an advantage because it has a long history of plurality. Indonesia is home to plurality," he added.
The President, however, expressed his concern about conflicts and
problems still facing the world, such as the unresolved occupation of
Palestinian land, radicalism and extremism, intolerance, and increasing
xenophobia, as well as uncertain economic conditions.
"In such situations, we need a sense of optimism - optimism that
results from discussions, optimism that could develop from the sharing
of views and experiences, optimism that I hope can grow from our
presence at this Bali Democracy Forum," he stated.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, in her report during the
opening ceremony, affirmed that BDF will continue to serve as a forum
for discussion and sharing of experiences for the advancement of
democracy in the Asia Pacific and other regions.
"Through this forum, we can learn about democracy without lecturing, but through experience-sharing," she stated.
The Minister also emphasized that Indonesia has witnessed how Islam,
democracy, and pluralism can work in harmony, even though there is much
that needs to be done to enhance it.
"The Bali Democracy Forum is an important forum for maintaining and enhancing that harmony," the Minister added.
The BDF, which is an annual Ministerial-level meeting convened in
Indonesia, was attended by 219 delegates from 96 countries and 5
international organizations this year, which is the highest number of
participants since BDF was first held in 2008.
The forum this year was very special because it presented keynote
speakers, such as Kofi Annan (UN Secretary General 1997-2006), Surin
Pitsuwan (Secretary General of ASEAN 2008-2012) and Ouided Bouchamaoui
(Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2015 of Tunisia).
In addition, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and President of the
71st UN General Assembly Peter Thomson delivered video messages.
There were two panel discussions, with the themes, "Promoting Democracy
and Religious Harmony in Responding to the Challengers of Pluralism,"
and "Sharing Best Practices and Key Lessons in Fostering Religious
Harmony and Countering Violent Extremism and Discrimination through
Democratic Responses."
On the second day of the implementation of
the BDF, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia invited the
delegates to a field visit to Bali Bina Insani Islamic Boarding School,
located in Hindu-majority Tabanan.
"Pluralism and diversity are inevitable and a blessing that must be
further instilled in all mankind," stated K.H. Ketut Djamal, the Head of
the Bali Bina Insani Islamic Boarding School, when welcoming Minister
Retno Marsudi and the delegates.
For the first time, the BDF program included a field visit for the
participants. The delegates expressed their awe and appreciation upon
witnessing first-hand the proof of Indonesia¿s ability to create a
harmonious life between Muslims and Hindus, as reflected in life at the
school.
During the closing ceremony of the BDF, Vice Foreign Minister A.M.
Fachir stated that learning each other's experiences is an important
process in advancing democracy and responding to its challenges.
Increasing understanding and awareness in using social media wisely is
also needed in protecting and maintaining tolerance, pluralism, and
democracy, he said.
In line with BDF's strategic regional and global role and real
contribution, Indonesia, as the host, is currently exploring the
possibility of developing BDF chapters in a number of places in order to
expand the network, as well as strengthening and respecting democratic
values.
In the meantime, Ambassador Vincent Guérend, Head of the Delegation of
the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, representing the
EU in the BDF, said democracy lies at the heart of the European Union
since the start of the European integration project. Considering today's
challenges, we need to reaffirm our commitment to the basic principles.
We have to continue to strongly condemn all forms and manifestations of
racism and xenophobia, including against any member of a religious
community.
"And we also need the leadership of countries, such as Indonesia as the
world's largest Muslim majority country, a strong democracy and a
country with a proud tradition of tolerance and pluralism. Religion
serves as a strong foundation of the Indonesian state and plays a
crucial role in the day-to-day lives of its citizens. Your model can be
an example for many other countries, and Europe is actively engaging
with Indonesia on issues such as democracy, human rights, and interfaith
dialogue. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy, Federica Mogherini, announced last week during the visit of
Foreign Minister Retno to Brussels an exchange programme for religious
scholars and leaders, including from Indonesia," the EU ambassador said.
Another speaker, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Maliki, noted that
religious identity has been becoming a predominant concern in every
corner of the world, not because of spiritual consciousness but, rather,
due to fear.
In Europe, for example, Islamophobia has taken root and many people
have been objecting to accepting refugees, doing so in negative ways.
Proper law enforcement, along with adopting a tolerant attitude, will
eliminate Islamophobia in Europe and create a sense of global security
and religious harmony.
BDF is aimed to promote and foster regional and international
cooperation in the field of peace and democracy through dialogue based
on sharing experiences and best practices that adhere to the principle
of equality, mutual respect and understanding, with the participating
countries sharing its ownership. ***2***
(f001/INE/B003)
(T.F001/A/BESSR/Bustanuddin) 10-12-2016
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