By: Theresia Oktavian)*
Indonesia is hosting an international forum in Bali from September 1 to 3, 2024. The Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) II is being held as part of Indonesia’s support for the ‘Agenda 2063 for Africa’. This is also reflected in the main theme of the IAF, which is “Bandung Spirit for Africa’s 2063 Agenda.”
In support of this activity, the government has taken initial steps by issuing Presidential Decree Number 26 of 2024 concerning the National Committee for the Organization of the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Indonesia-Africa Forum. (Indonesia-Africa Forum).
Referring to data from the Cabinet Secretariat setkab.go.id, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), issued Presidential Decree Number 26 of 2024 concerning the National Committee for the Organization of the High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum on August 16, 2024.
The National Committee for the Organization of the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Forum (HLF MSP) and the Second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) has the task of preparing and establishing the work plan and budget for the event, conducting preparations and organization, monitoring the implementation, evaluating the event, and compiling the report for the HLF MSP and the Second IAF, which will be held in Bali from September 1 to 3, 2024.
In Article 5 of the regulations accessible on the JDIH Secretariat Cabinet website, it is stated that the National Committee is led by a Director who is responsible for providing guidance, advice, and considerations in the organization of the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF. The board consists of the President of Indonesia, the Vice President of Indonesia, along with the Coordinating Ministers.
In addition to the Director, the National Committee also consists of the Executive Chair, the Responsible Officer for the Field, and the Secretariat.
The Chair of the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF is jointly held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency, as stated in the provisions of Article 6.
The Executive Chair is responsible for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF; coordinating the execution of tasks by the Heads of Departments; and submitting a report on the organization of the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF to the Director.
There are four Responsible Parties in the National Committee for the 2nd HLF MSP and IAF, namely the Responsible Party for Substance led by the Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) for HLF MSP and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for the 2nd IAF; the Responsible Party for Event Organization, Logistics, Health, and Infrastructure led by the Minister of State Secretary; the Responsible Party for Communication and Media led by the Minister of Communication and Information; and the Responsible Party for Security led by the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. (TNI).
It is clarified in the Presidential Decree that the National Committee, in carrying out its duties, may collaborate and/or coordinate with ministries/non-ministerial government agencies, government institutions both at the central and regional levels, the private sector, and other parties deemed necessary.
The term of the National Committee is effective from the date of the issuance of this Presidential Decree until December 31, 2024, as stated in Presidential Decree 26/2024, which was established by President Joko Widodo in Jakarta on August 16, 2024.
Meanwhile, the authorities, in anticipating various security disturbances, have also prepared precautionary measures for the international forum event in Bali.
The Indonesian National Police deployed thousands of personnel to secure the second Indonesia-Africa Forum (IAF) and the High Level Forum On Multi Stakeholders Partnership (HLF-MSP) 2024 in Bali. Thousands of personnel are ready to secure the international event scheduled for September 1-3, 2024. The Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Inspector General Sandi Nugroho, stated in a statement that the police have deployed a total of 4,523 personnel for the security of this event.
Thousands of personnel consist of 1,459 personnel from the National Police Headquarters, 2,464 personnel from the Bali Regional Police, 300 personnel from the East Java Regional Police, and 300 personnel from the West Nusa Tenggara Regional Police. The deployment of personnel is carried out in a centralized operation code-named ‘Puri Agung II 2024’.
In addition to the military and police, preparedness is also being carried out in collaboration with the National Counterterrorism Agency. (BNPT). The deployment of troops for security during international events is a standard activity for countries, as ensuring the safety of guests and creating a conducive situation is absolutely essential for the nation.
Sandi stated that the Puri Agung II 2024 operation will be held from August 31 to September 4, 2024. The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is said to be collaborating with various agencies such as the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Presidential Security Guard (Paspampres), and the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) to secure the two international events.
Security is also supported by local community elements, known as Pecalang, who are always ready to ensure safety at events held in Bali. Pecalang are local sons who have a strong awareness of maintaining the region’s stability. This certainly deserves appreciation because it is not found in other regions in maintaining unity and harmony within the area.
The second Indonesia-Africa Forum will be attended by many countries. This forum contains dialogue and the exchange of ideas to build concrete economic cooperation, expanding business networks, especially between Indonesia and African countries.
Therefore, many leaders from various countries, prominent business leaders, academics, and influential stakeholders were present, and Indonesia’s readiness to welcome these state guests deserves appreciation, from security preparations to all services as the host, capable of providing the best service to all attending guests.
The writer is an observer of activities at international forums.
