TEMPO.CO, Denpasar - President Joko “Jokowi” WIdodo opened the ninth Bali Democracy Forum addressing intolerance in his speech. According to President Jokowi, intolerance is one of the important global issues in addition to economic issues.

“Over the last few years, when I attended international forums, I saw that other countries are concerned [with intolerance issues],” he said at Westin Hotel’s Bali International Convention Center in Bali on Thursday, December 8, 2016.

President Jokowi explained that new intolerance issues often emerge before the existing ones are addressed. For instance, he added, conflicts in Palestine have worsened as radicalism and extremism are thriving in many countries. Another example is xenophobia in Europe as immigrants from the Middle East are seeking refuge in the continent.

“I can understand that such a situation causes concerns amidst uncertain global economic condition,” he said.

Jokowi called on other countries to cooperate and share ideas and experiences to address intolerance issues. Indonesia, he said, can play an important role in the effort with its long history in relation to diversity.

The President claimed that tolerance in Indonesia can be maintained despite a number of intolerance issues.

“Indonesia is home to Muslims, Christians, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists, and Confucians,” President Jokowi said.

Finally, Jokowi in his speech reminded diplomats and Bali Democracy Forum participants not to exercise finger pointing, but to reinforce each other.

“Through the Institute for Peace and Democracy, Indonesia is set to realize cooperation in the democracy and peace sector,” he concluded.

ISTMAN MP