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BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM
THE CONCEPT
The Bali Democracy Forum is a novel initiative, launched by Indonesia on 10-11 December 2008, aiming at the promotion of regional international cooperation in the field of democracy and political development amongst countries in Asia. This is not an exclusive forum among democracies, but an inclusive and open forum for countries of Asia to share their experiences and best practices in fostering democracy.
The Bali Democracy Forum is expected to contribute to the pursuit of the democratic ideals through dialogue and practical cooperation. It is an institution dedicated to promote regional and international cooperation in the field of democracy. In turn, it is expected to strengthen democratic institutions at the national level and, therefore, it will also bridge the gaps in political development in Asia.
This annual high-level forum of foreign ministers and prominent figures is designed to facilitate dialogue and cooperation in national capacity building of both countries of democracy and those aspiring to be more democratic. In between annual forums, there will be monthly technical workshops for senior government officials and experts to share ideas and experiences on efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.
To support the activities of the Forum, the Government of Indonesia has established the Institute for Peace and Democracy located on the campus of the University of Udayana, Bali. The institute is an independent, non-profit organization under the patronage of Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia. Aside from organizing the technical workshops, the Institute will also conduct studies and research, establish networks of experts and related organizations, and publish papers and periodicals.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM
The Bali Democracy Forum seeks to accomplish the following objectives:
- To establish a regional cooperation forum that promotes political development, through dialogue and sharing of experience, aiming at strengthening democratic institutions.
- To initiate a learning and sharing process among countries in Asia as a strategy towards the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
- To initiate and build a platform for mutual support and cooperation in the field of democracy and political development.
- To establish a working institution which functions as a resource base and information centre for research and study as well as a pool of expertise in the various sectors relevant to democracy.
The Bali Democracy Forum will allow governments to discuss issues of common concern such as: regular and genuine elections; multi-party system in a pluralistic and tolerant society; effective parliaments; independent judiciary system; the rule of law; protection and promotion of human rights; good governance; creating an active and vibrant media; benefits of an open and competitive economy that ensures social justice for all; forging strong and dynamic civil society; the role of professional military in a democratic society.