VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Retno Marsudi opened the 13th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), Thursday (10/12/2020) in Nusa Dua, Bali.

On this occasion, he emphasized the importance of maintaining democratic values ​​and practices during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Retno emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic should not reduce countries' commitment to democracy. Conversely, democracy is also not a barrier to the government's efforts to tackle and control COVID-19.

Regarding this goal, Retno conveyed that there are three important factors that can ensure democratic values ​​and practices are maintained during and after a pandemic. First, Retno suggested the importance of restoring public trust in democracy.

According to him, public trust and involvement are the keys to maintaining democratic values, including openness and active community participation. In addition, the involvement of civil society organizations can also help restore public confidence in democracy.

"First restoring trust to democracy. Democracy must provide a space for meaningful dialogue in public health policy-making during the pandemic. This will form the basis of trust between society and their government. Studies from the past pandemic responses show that people are more likely to comply with emergency health measure if they feel engaged in the decision making, "Retno said.

Second, Retno conveyed that democratic values ​​must also be maintained post-pandemic. He said the pandemic shows that there are many challenges faced in democratic practices. Therefore, he invited forum participants to rethink the ways people practice democratic values.

"Second, safeguarding democratic norms post-pandemic. These are necessary safeguard that will prevent arbitrary use of emergency powers that violates basic freedom," she said.

Third, he emphasized the importance of solidarity in maintaining democratic values.

The Bali Democracy Forum is a cross-country and cross-institutional meeting initiated and held by Indonesia regularly every year since 2008. The forum brings together at least more than 50 countries as participants, 73 countries as observers, and 10 international organizations based in the Asia Pacific region.

Different from the previous event, the 13th BDF was held on a limited basis. BDF can only be followed by no more than 50 participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (VOI)