By: Putu Prawira
The Bali Democracy Forum is an annual event held on the Island of the Gods, which brings together countries in Asia that are based on democracy. Even though in the midst of a pandemic, Indonesia is ready to hold this international event in accordance with health protocols, so it deserves appreciation.
Since 2008, the Bali Democracy Forum has been held on the Island of the Gods, and is held annually. The purpose of this event is to strengthen the capacity of democracy and democratic institutions with cross-country (Asia) discussions. Representatives from other countries (coming with pleasure, because they can have an audience and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali.
The year 2021 is still a pandemic but Indonesia is still holding the Bali Democracy Forum, on December 9 in Nusa Dua. The topic at this year’s meeting is to discuss the impact of the Corona pandemic on humanity. This was explained by Teuku Faizasyah, Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy.
Teuku continued, even though in the midst of a pandemic, the Bali Democracy Forum was still held because it used a hybrid system. The point is that some participants come directly to the location and some follow it virtually. This can minimize the risk because the meeting room is not full, so you can keep your distance. Especially now that the Omicron variant is rife, so you have to be even more vigilant.
In addition, all participants and committee members wear masks and comply with other health protocols. Everyone must also do a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test before visiting the Bali Democracy Forum, thereby minimizing the risk of the formation of a new Corona cluster. Tightening of health protocols is very important for mutual safety.
Indonesia organizes the Bali Democracy Forum because this event is very important. The theme is almost the same as last year, but this time the focus is more on the humanitarian aspect of the impact of the pandemic, on efforts to promote economic justice and social justice.
The Bali Democracy Forum was created to help realize the formation of a solid democratic structure in the region, through the practice of sharing experiences and best practices by adhering to the principles of equality, mutual understanding, and respect.
Teuku continued, the theme of the Bali Democracy Forum is important because the pandemic has caused a huge economic and social downturn in communities around the world. Thus, it has an impact on the democratic system to be able to become one of the government systems that effectively carry out government functions.
The point is that in the midst of various challenges that arise in the midst of a pandemic, democracy as a form of governance or a choice of government system is expected to continue to provide the best in accordance with the fulfillment of basic human needs in the fields of economics and social justice.
The pandemic is not only happening in Indonesia but also in the world. Especially in the Asian region, the impact is also felt, especially in the economic sector. The impact of the pandemic can be dire if there is no cooperation between countries. So that the Bali Democracy Forum is important to realize cooperation and solidarity between Asian countries.
If there is cooperation, the impact of the pandemic, especially in the humanitarian field, will not be felt too much. For example, a country that can produce a Corona vaccine will prioritize other countries that are members of the Bali Democracy Forum. In addition, other countries that need assistance with medicines, PPE, medical devices, or others, will immediately receive assistance packages.
The Bali Democracy Forum is a very good event to strengthen friendship between countries in the Asian region. Even though it is still a pandemic, this event is still being held because the benefits are many, and it carries the theme of overcoming the impact of the pandemic in the humanitarian field. The public need not be afraid because the Bali Democracy Forum was held in accordance with strict health protocols.
The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
