PRESIDENT: DEMOCRACY NEEDS TO BE BUILT, CONSOLIDATED

Nusa Dua, Bali, Dec 10, (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said democracy needed to be built and consolidated in a bid to create peace as aspired by many countries in the world.
This was the purpose for which the Bali Democracy Forum was established whereas its function was only to facilitate delegates from participating countries to meet and discuss ways to uphold the development of democracy in addition to bridging the gaps in political development in Asia, the president said in a press conference a few moments before the opening of the forum at the Grand Hyatt Hotel here on Wednesday.
According to the president, the Bali Democracy Forum also aimed to strengthen regional and international cooperation in addition to developing the implementation of democracy among countries in Asia,
The cooperation and development of democracy were too points many countries needed in their international relations often deemed as the only way to create peace in the world, Yudhoyono said in the company of Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
He also extended his great thanks to his Australian counterpart for the latter's presence and assistance to the forum.
The forum was expected to contribute to the pursuit of the democratic ideals through dialogue and practical cooperation, he said adding that Indonesia wished to uphold the development of democracy in a bid to make peace prevail.
Hence, it was an institution dedicated to promote regional and international cooperation in the field of democracy. In turn, it was also expected to strengthen democratic institutions at the national level and therefore it would also bridge the gaps in political development in Asia.
In the meantime, Director General for Information and Public Diplomacy Andri Hadi said the forum attended by foreign ministers and prominent figures was designed to facilitate dialogues and cooperation in national capacity building of the participating countries and democracy and those aspiring to be more democratic.
The delegates from the participating countries would have an opportunity to share ideas on the implementation of democracy in many fields and their problems and ways-out, he said, adding that the idea to host the Forum was confirmed after a two-day meeting in Nusa Dua, also in Bali, last month attended by 21 experts.
"This is not an exclusive forum among democracies, but an open forum of countries in Asia to share experiences and best practices in fostering democracy," he said.
"It is also expected to strengthen democratic institutions at national level and therefore, it will also bridge the gaps in political development in Asia," Andri said.
In between the annual forums, there would be monthly technical workshops for senior government officials and experts to share ideas and experiences in efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, he said.
Therefore, the main theme of the forum was "Building and Consolidating Democracy as a Strategic Agenda for Asia," he said.
About the outcome of the forum, he said it could take the form of a consensus on shared principles which the Bali Democracy Forum would promote.
To support the activities of the forum, he said, Indonesia had established an Institute for Peace and Democracy located in the campus of the University of Udayana, Bali. The institute is an independent, non-profit organization under the patronage of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Aside from organizing technical workshops, the institute would also conduct studies and research work, establish a network of experts and related organizations and publish papers and periodicals.
According to Andri, the Bali Democracy Forum provided an opportunity for governments to discuss issues of common concern such as regular and genuine elections, multi-party system in a pluralistic and tolerant society, effective parliaments, an independent judiciary, 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.