City Desk :
Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Information and Public Diplomacy Siti Nugraha Mauludiah on Monday said Bangladesh and Indonesia have the same vision to safeguard world peace and to nurture and protect the existence of inclusive society.
“Cultivating environment for democracy to thrive is our way to do it,” she said while speaking at a dialogue on “Democracy in Inclusive Society” at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), reports UNB.
The Deputy Minister said this forum is their way to nurture both democracy and inclusive society and “I believe this dialogue will not stop here but will present more opportunities such as new partnership between Indonesia and Bangladesh.”
Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bangladesh Heru H Subolo and Director, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs (BILIA) and former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Bangladesh Professor Mizanur Rahman spoke at the inaugural session.
“This forum serves to further fortify the longstanding bond between Indonesia and Bangladesh.
At the governmental level, Indonesia and Bangladesh stand out as pivotal players within their respective regions,” said the Indonesian Deputy Minister.
Indonesia holds the distinction of being the largest democratic nation in its region, while also wielding considerable economic influence.
“This was underscored notably during Indonesia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN last year, reaffirming its importance on the regional stage,” she said.
In numerous aspects, Mauludiah said Bangladesh evokes a striking resemblance to Indonesia, resonating with a tapestry of diversity and inclusivity interwoven seamlessly – from the rich culture, to the food, to the warmth of the people. She said their media, CSO, academician, youth and the whole elements of society play a significant role in nurturing inclusive society and be part of their democratization process, a source of immense pride for the nation.
“They provide analysis, they become our close partners and allies, they represent the voice amplifier, the one who can and should curb the movement of hoax and hate speech and the collaborative effort blossomed fruitfully,” she said.
The dialog on “Democracy in Inclusive Society” is part of Indonesia flagship programme which is called the Bali Democracy Forum, held every year in Bali, Indonesia.
“Bangladesh’s participation in the Forum has never been absent.
Even in 2011, PM Sheikh Hasina herself participated,” Ambassador Subolo said.
