Democracy ‘best system’ for pluralism

President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo opened on Thursday the ninth Bali Democracy Forum, reiterating the importance of democracy as a system that guarantees the rights of citizens in the diverse nation and protects their religious freedom.

He also met with former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, who recently visited Myanmar's Rakhine state, to pledge humanitarian aid for victims of the recent violence there.

"Throughout history, Indonesians have persistently fought for democracy [where] everyone has the same rights and obligations, the checks-and-balance system works, and every single voice matters. Indonesians believe that through democracy, our nation will be better," the President said, addressing participants, including delegates of 95 nations and international organizations.

He said the synergy of religion, tolerance and democracy in Indonesia had been proven over time, including in recent massive rallies last month and on Dec. 2 in Jakarta. Protesters de manded Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian, be jailed for blasphemy.

"It is our responsibility to ensure democracy works well to support stability and peace, and brings prosperity to the people. The government is committed to actively improving synergy between democracy, religion and tolerance, and aims for those efforts to be reflected in all our laws and policies."

Annan also said in his keynote speech that democracy was the system best suited to secure and sustain pluralism in today's world.

"True democracy enshrines the rights and liberties of all individuals in law and institutions regardless of race, gender and religion, and gives everyone a voice. I couldn't think of a better country in which to deliver this message than Indonesia, a great country made up of many ethnic groups, languages and faiths, spread out across a vast archipelago-a heartening confirmation that pluralism can work," said Annan, a board member of th e Global Center for Pluralism.

As chairman of the Myanmar government's Advisory Committee for Rakhine, Annan expressed deep concern over reports of alleged human rights abuses. "

Annan said plural societies, however, often proved hard to govern.

 "As Indonesia knows, successful governance [...] requires inclusive leadership, to build and sustain trust across communities over time."

"Religion, pluralism and democracy should be mutually reinforcing foundations of healthy, stable and prosperous societies. […], the only way to avoid conflict and ensure that all believers […] are able to practice freely is by ensuring that religion is tempered […] by pluralism."

"Religion can be harnessed for the good, but also misused. We must stress the basic values that are common to all religions: compassion, solidarity and respect for the human person," he concluded.

Participants shared best practices and key lessons in religious harmony and in countering violent extremism.

Before the opening, President Jokowi met with Annan to discuss humanitarian aid for Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

"Indonesia will immediately send humanitarian aid for Rohingya people. I have ordered the minister to prepare the logistics, especially food and blankets," the President said.

Source: Democracy 'best system' for pluralism