BALI DEMOCRACY FORUM IS RI'S PLATFORM FOR LIVING IN HARMONY

Nusa Dua, Bali, Dec 10 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said here Wednesday the two-day meeting of the Bali Democracy Forum was a platform for both the world and Indonesia to develop a democratic country to live in harmony in dynamic situations.

"We have one strategic policy to overcome radicalism or extremism from every sector namely religious belief or tribe. We expect to run this country in harmony and we must maintain it," said the president during the event.

The Bali Democracy Forum gathers leaders from 32 countries to share their experiences about democracy and its implementation in the Asian region. The participants include President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Brunei Darussalam's Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah, and Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

According to Yudhoyono, the two-day event should not be the only arena to gain an understanding of the democratization process in Asia.

"Many civilizations have the answer. Meanwhile, we must maintain harmony in a just framework of democracy because once it is teared down, the price to fix it will be high," the president said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Rudd said Australia as a country of a majority of caucasians had stated support and real action in helping democratic process in Asia.

Australia, Rudd said, showed its commitment through financial help of US$ 3 billion for holding the Bali Democracy Forum and the establishment of the Institute for Democracy and Peace in Indonesia.

The institute will be built in the Udayana University complex in Jimbaran, Bali, to be inaugurated by Pesident Yudhoyono.