JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi believes democracy can survive through the difficult 2023, amid global challenges and rapid world change.
He said that when opening the 15th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) which was held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali.
Foreign Minister Retno said that trust in today's democracy is very easy to lose, amidst world changes that are faster than before, posing an unprecedented challenge.
"The crisis after the crisis continues to test the foundation of our democracy. The challenge of democracy is not only from the outside, but also from the inside," said Foreign Minister Retno when opening the 15th BDF, Thursday, December 8.
"We gathered here today, because we believe in democracy," explained Foreign Minister Retno.
He further said that the IDEA (Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) last month said that democracy is currently experiencing setbacks or stagnation. Meanwhile, stable democracy also faces risks.
Meanwhile, he continued, Freedom House said democracy has continued to decline in the last 16 years. Meanwhile, Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) said the quality of the average democracy had dropped to the same level as about 30 years ago.
"In Asia Pacific, a narrow democratic space, political rights and civil liberties have been restricted by nationalism, political paronases and military interventions in politics," Foreign Minister Retno explained.
Foreign Minister Retno said, in the midst of pessimism about democracy, the majority of parties still rely on democracy, including Indonesia.
According to him, democracy is not a goal, but a tool to achieve goals.
"Democracy must bring direct benefits to society, contributing as part of the solution," said Foreign Minister Retno.
In the midst of multi global challenges, he continued, democracy can run in two ways. Strengthen and prove itself. Or, weakening and disappearing become irrelevant.
"The future of democracy depends on us. Indonesia's choice is clear, continues to maintain the spirit of democracy and strengthen the foundation of democracy," said Foreign Minister Retno.
"That's why Indonesia continues to hold the Bali Democracy Forum and maintain democracy in relations between nations," he said.
Foreign Minister Retno said democracy was indeed not perfect. Still, Indonesia's experience shows democracy is functioning.
"I believe democracy will allow us to survive in the difficult year 2023, (where) inflation remains high, driving an increase in food prices and energy crises, as well as a continuing recession," he explained.
He added that we must cultivate the spirit of democracy and strengthen the foundations of democracy.
"International norms cannot be formed by a handful of countries. The fate of the world cannot be decided by a handful of countries," said Foreign Minister Retno.
"Only by re-committing to democracy, can we survive all the challenges and defend democracy in this rapidly changing world," he said.
Unlike the BDF event, this year the meeting was held in a hybrid manner, with the majority of participants physically present.
This year's BDF event, which carries the theme "Democracy in a Changing World: Leadership and Solidarity", was attended by 323 participants from 112 countries and five international organizations. Also attending virtually and delivering remarks was UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
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