In the midst of what has been called a global “democratic recession” exacerbated by the COVID-19 outbreak, Indonesia has expressed hope that democracy will continue to thrive in a post-pandemic world at the opening of a global forum in Bali. The 13th Bali Democracy Forum was held in Nusa Dua, Bali, with 44 delegates from 26 countries and three international organizations, as well as some 500 additional delegates from 69 countries attending virtually. Organizers prepared a part-online, part-offline format for the discussions. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi opened Thursday’s event, which invited governments and international organizations to candidly share how democracy was practiced in their respective countries. Not only was COVID-19 a threat to public health and the economy, Retno said in her remarks, it was also a test of democracy and democratic values. ...