Bali Democracy Forum Calls for Synergy of Religions and Tolerance

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - 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 years 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, 2016.

Religion plays a crucial role in peoples 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 worlds 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 others 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 BDFs 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 Gu'rend, 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 todays 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 worlds 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 EUs 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.

ANTARA