Countries Reap Benefits Of BDF

Nusa Dua, Bali, Oct 10 (Antara) - Several countries derive benefits from the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF), particularly in developing democracy, stated Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. "There are many countries that reap the benefits of BDF. Thus, I hope that the next government can sort the positive impact along with the disadvantage of the forum," Marty noted here on Thursday evening. According to Marty, the forum has played an important role in sharing and discussing the development of democracy throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The authority to resume BDF will be completely in the hands of the new government, remarked the minister. He emphasized that the increased participation of countries in the BDF each year has shown that the forum is supported by international communities. Additionally, former foreign minister Hasan Wirajuda stated that among the 56 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, only 28 percent of them have gained a free democratic status. "Through the BDF, the countries would like to share and also learn about the developments in democracy from others. There is no vanity, and each country is showcasing their democratic development in a humble way," Hasan asserted. Hasan was optimistic that the BDF can continue to be held in the near future during the term of the new government led by elected President Joko Widodo. "There are expectations from BDF because the forum has been held for seven times since 2008. The total number of participating countries is also increasing in each BDF," Hasan added. The BDF is an annual foreign ministerial meeting, which was established by former foreign minister Hasan Wirajuda in 2008. In 2013, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry had chosen the theme "Consolidating Democracy in Pluralistic Society" for BDF VI. The BDF V, held in 2012, was attended by the leaders of 11 countries, including Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.