Indonesia Holds Bali Democracy Forum VI on Nov 7-8

Jakarta (Antara) - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry will hold the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VI in Nusa Dua, Bali Province to support developing democracies throughout the world. "We have chosen the theme Consolidating Democracy in a Pluralistic Society for BDF VI. We will return the running of BDF VI to its original format, that is at a ministerial level meeting," said Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa during a press conference here on Monday. According to the Foreign Minister, the Ministry will hold a forum on November 7-8, 2013 at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) in Nusa Dua, Bali Province. Marty said a number of Heads of State will attend the forum, including Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister of Timor Leste Xanana Gusmao and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who will open the forum on the first day. "The Forum will be inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, along with the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister of Timor Leste. There will be at least 81 countries and 3 international organizations attending the meeting," Marty said. He added that at least 30 ministers will join the forum. There are two sub-themes that will be discussed during BDF VI, including the explanation of free and fair general elections held in participating BDF countries. The second sub-theme is an explanation of how to build and strengthen democratic institutions in each country. "This forum reflected Indonesia's contribution in creating a conducive situation in Asia Pacific. The representatives will also explain what has been done to establish democracy and, at the same time, we also learn from other countries about what they are doing to develop democracy," Marty said. (*)