“If we don’t address this political development gap, it could cause trouble for development, create political instability and pose threats to security in the region,” Yudhoyono said.

“Therefore, it is important that we have a better understanding of peace and democracy. It must become part of our regional cooperation.”

Yudhoyono highlighted that one of the biggest challenges of democracy was achieving stability, which was essential for development.

“There is no single model on how democracy creates stability, because every country has its own way, but there are universal values. Democracy is not the only tool to bring advancement. A nation also needs good governance, rule of law and also unity and hard work.”

Indonesia has adhered to principles of democracy and human rights, which it has championed since the fall of former strongman Soeharto in 1998 after more than three decades in power, marking the country’s transformation from an authoritarian regime to a democracy.

Initiated by Indonesia in 2008, the Bali Democracy Forum is aimed at encouraging open discussion and exchange of views on democracy among the countries in the region.

This year’s forum is cochaired by Yudhoyono and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, whose country is mired in conflict with North Korea.

In his speech, Lee said Korea had managed to achieve democracy and robust economic growth.
He said his country faced many security threats after the division of the Korean peninsula.

“Despite the confrontation, we have managed to achieve good economic development, 38 times greater than in North Korea,” Lee said.

“Through the development of democracy and economy, Korea has experienced a huge leap and has been successful in transforming from a recipient country into donor country as we have also joined the OECD development assistance committee.”

He acknowledged Asia’s success in becoming a key growth region and called on all countries in the region to enhance cooperation, adding that his country was committed to contributing to peace and stability in the region.

“Asia has emerged as an axis of global change, that’s why we have to cooperate across a number of responsibilities so that democracy and our economies can grow together,” Lee said.

Other heads of state attending the two-day forum were Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Timor Leste, Asia’s youngest democratic country, gained independence eight years ago.

Xanana said his government was encouraging civil society and citizens to actively participate in politics and state decision making in the midst of instability and conflict that constrained development in the country, which is still classified by the UN as one of the Least Developed Countries.

“We cannot be satisfied with what we have achieved as our people do not enjoy real and concrete benefits of democracy. Without true economic and social development, democracy remains an abstract concept that is not felt in daily life.

“When there is no economic development, there is no peace, because social imbalances provoke tensions, sometimes violent, which destabilizes the country and distorts democracy.”

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