JAKARTA Bandung hosted the Asia Africa I Conference on April 18-24, 1955. The event which was held at the Merdeka Building was attended by 29 countries, which at that time represented half of the world's population.
The purpose of the conference is to strengthen solidarity, review socio-economic and cultural relations issues, establish inter-religious harmony, promote world peace and cooperation, launch political movements against capitalism, and fight the colonialism of imperialists such as the United States and the Soviet Union.
The idea for the Asian Conference of Africa I was raised from five Asian Prime Ministers at an informal meeting of the Colombo Conference in 1954, namely: Sir John Kotelawala (Sri Lanka), U Nu (Birma), Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Ali Sastroamidjojo (Indonesia), and Mohammed Ali (Pakistan).
By President Soekarno, the idea of the Colombo Conference was enthusiastically welcomed. Bung Karno called the idea a step to build Asian Africa solidarity through national movements, create peace and fight colonialism, and expand regional-level cooperation.
"Our poor world is divided, and it turns out that people from all over the country are in fear, if beyond their fault, the war wolves will escape their chains," said President Soekarno at the opening of the Asia Africa I Conference at the Merdeka Building, Bandung on April 18, 1955.
President Soekarno delivered the speech before 23 Asian countries and six African countries, namely Liberia, Ethiopia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan and Ghana, which at that time were not yet independent. Three African countries were present as observers, namely Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.
It is undeniable that the Asia Africa I Conference had a tremendous impact on participating countries and and sympathizers who at that time were only free from colonialism.
The conference is an important milestone in the history of the independence movement of countries in Asia and Africa.
The most important result of the Asian Conference of Africa I is the Bandung Declaration. The content of this declaration contains basic principles that are considered important for countries in Asia and Africa, such as the principles of peace, mutually beneficial international cooperation, and respect for human rights.
The Asia-African Conference I is one of the most important events in the history of international relations, particularly in an effort to strengthen the position of countries in Asia and Africa within the international community. This conference has had a significant influence on relations between countries in Asia and Africa, as well as providing inspiration for independence movements and social struggles around the world.
In the current context, the Asia Africa Conference remains relevant as a forum to promote cooperation and friendship between countries in the region. Problems such as poverty, social injustice, and economic lag are still challenges faced by countries in Asia and Africa. Therefore, this conference needs to continue to be held and maintained in order to continue to make a positive contribution to Asia Africa and the world as a whole.
The implementation of the principles contained in the Bandung Declaration agreed at the Asia Africa I Conference is still ongoing today. Some of them are as follows:
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