OPENING STATEMENT PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA AT THE BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM VI ON 7 NOV

Kamis, 07 November 2013
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OPENING STATEMENT

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

AT THE BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM VI

ON 7 NOVEMBER 2013

BALI NUSA DUA CONVENTION CENTER, NUSA DUA, BALI

 

 

 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahiim,

Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Om Swastiastu,                                                                                                                          

May peace be upon us,

 

Your Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam,

Your Excellency Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

I am pleased to welcome all of you to Indonesia and to the Sixth Bali Democracy Forum. Your presence here is a reflection of our shared commitment to promote the values and principles of democracy in the region and beyond.

 

Through your constant support and encouragement, the Bali Democracy Forum has grown to become a much-valued part of the region's democratic architecture. A platform for Asia-Pacific countries to share views, experiences, and best practices on democracy.  

 

In particular, our discussions have recognized the linkages between the promotion of democracy and development, as well as between democracy and peace and stability. The Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, does indeed provide evidence of such linkages. 

 

Just over a decade ago, ASEAN began its journey towards a community. We envisioned not only a community in the economic and socio-cultural sense, but also a political security community. We aspire for a community that includes the promotion of democracy, human rights, and good governance as one of its common objectives and goals.

 

Of course, this has been, and will continue to be a gradual process. However, there could be no doubt about the progress we have made thus far. The democratic architecture in our region has evolved-transformed even-in a most fundamental manner. And, the process has taken place without violent upheavals along with their attendant security and economic impacts. Rather, on the whole, the transformation has evolved peacefully.

 

Meanwhile, the same cannot be said of the progress of democracy in other parts of the world. In some places, failure to address demands for democracy often escalates to region-wide and even, global security, and geo-political tensions. Indeed, these challenges provide a reminder of what is at stake.

Excellencies,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

This year, the theme of the Bali Democracy Forum is "Consolidating Democracy in a Pluralistic Society." This has certainly been a constant challenge for Indonesia. 

As a nation rich in diversity, Indonesia is a reflection of the pluralism that marks the Asia-Pacific region. Over the centuries, various civilizations, races, faiths and cultures found a home in our archipelago. Today, we are a nation of a quarter of a billion people, comprising more than 300 ethnic groups; speaking some 700 languages; professing various faiths; and spread out in no less than 17,000 islands.

Thus, for generations we have lived by the motto: "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika - Unity in Diversity." 

 

We have worked hard to build an inclusive and democratic nation state in a pluralistic society. However, we are deeply conscious of the continuing challenges in consolidating democracy in such a society. How we can strike the right balance between democracy and freedom on the one hand, and the rule of the law on the other hand. 

 

In this regard, I would like to share with you some views based on Indonesia's experiences in consolidating democracy.

 

First, the constitutional rights for all citizens must be guaranteed.

 

These rights include freedom of religion, freedom of expression, equality before the law, non-discrimination, protection of minorities, and due process of law.

 

We have I should say, I said, we gave meaning to these rights, which form,  which form the foundation of our laws and regulations. We continue to strengthen our institutional and legislative framework. We also continue to promote a culture of respect for human rights, freedom of the press, and participation of civil society.

 

Second, the supremacy of the rule of law must always be upheld.

 

The basic and fundamental rights of the people as enshrined in the constitution and other relevant laws and regulations must be respected. This entails the protection of the basic rights of minorities. It is therefore essential that we uphold both the will of the majority, and the rights of minorities as prescribed in our constitution.

 

We continue to ensure that respect and equality before the law become an integral part of our way of life.

 

Third, the people's participation must be promoted in decision-making process that affect their lives.

 

We should create an environment in which the people share a sense of ownership of the policy outcomes. In a country of vast diversity and great territorial expanse such as Indonesia, this requires decentralization of the system of governance. Therefore, one of the first reforms in our democratic transition was the decentralization of our system of governance. 

 

Such an approach has been critical, for instance, in ending the three decade-long separatist rebellion in the province of Aceh. It has also been central in our efforts to promote prosperity and welfare in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.

 

And fourth, continuous inter-communal interactions must be promoted to enhance mutual understanding, tolerance and social cohesion. 

 

We should encourage dialogue among communal groups of different faiths, ethnicity and socio-economic standing. As a result, we promote amicable and peaceful resolution of differences or disputes among them.

 

In addition to these four lessons, Indonesia's multi-party system provides both a challenge and opportunity in our efforts to consolidate democracy.

 

It is inherent that a pluralistic society will feature interests that are various and, at times, contentious. However, such diversity should not discourage dialogue and constructive debate. Indeed, we often hear complains, even among Indonesians, that our political processes are lengthy and complex. 

 

But I believe that we have benefitted a lot from the dialogues and debates among our many political parties. We continue to learn to rise above the politics of a multi-party democracy in determining, and sharpening our national interests.

 

Needless to say, a multi-party system has allowed us to channel our diverse ideas and interests into positive political participation.

 

Excellenc

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

 

We are living at a time when we can witness a wide spectrum of political and democratic practices. In reality, such practices are intertwined with their social, and even, security conditions.

 

Even though democracy is built upon noble values to build a more civilized society, we, however, do observe the use of violence in the promotion of those objectives.

 

Before this August forum, let me reiterate the importance of pursuing a democracy that is based on civility, avoidance of anarchy, and the application of peaceful means.

 

Therefore, let us continue to bring the noble values of democracy into our lives for the sake of our peoples and our future generations.

 

Let us continue to promote the principles of inclusivity and the people's participation which are at the heart of democracy.

 

And let us sustain democracy by promoting tolerance and mutual respect as well as fostering goodwill.

 

Finally, Your Majesty, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, by saying Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I declare the Sixth Bali Democracy Forum officially open.

 

Thank You.

 

Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

 

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om.

 

 

Asisten Deputi Naskah dan Penerjemahan,

Deputi Bidang Dukungan Kebijakan,

Kementerian Sekretariat Negara RI