The Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) was established in 2008 to create a progressive democratic architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. Over the years, the BDF has succeeded in making democracy a strategic agenda in the Asia-Pacific. It has encouraged countries to establish a balance between economic and political development, between creating peace and security, and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as respecting humanitarian values.

From 5 to 6 December 2019, the Bali Democracy Forum held its 12th event addressing the theme of “Democracy and Inclusivity”. The event was attended by 250 delegates from 90 countries and 7 international organizations and officially opened by Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi.

To extend the initiative at the 11th BDF, this year’s Forum will once again convene a Bali Democracy Student Conference (BDSC) where around 150 students, including the overseas ones, as well as from various universities in Indonesia had the opportunity to deliberate and to express their views about various topics relevant to the theme of the Forum.

The Bali Civil Society and Media Forum (BCSMF) also be conducted in parallel with the 12th BDF and BDSC 2019. It is intended to optimize the participation of the civil society and media as they are agents for prosperity as well.