REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR - Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced at the Bali Democracy Forum in Denpasar on Thursday, Australia would support a program to help emerging leaders and officials put democratic ideas into practice. According to a pres release from Australian Aid obtained by Republika, the program includes training, visits and dialogue between Asia-Pacific nations. 

The program also supports the independent non-profit Institute for Peace and Democracy which was launched by Indonesian President Yudhoyono in 2008. It is fitting that the Institute, which promotes human rights, political party reform and the participation of women in politics, is located in Indonesia, now the world’s third largest democracy. 

"Promoting democracy helps to secure peace, prosperity and stability in our region. Democracies respect human rights, allow ideas to be put forward and generate the trust in government that helps to achieve economic success," the statement says. 

Australia’s aid will continue the Institute’s Political Leadership Program, mentoring Asia’s young leaders and activists in shaping parties to be more democratic, representative and accountable.

Mentors have previously worked with 15 young political party leaders and activists from countries including Afghanistan, Fiji, Iraq, Pakistan and Solomon Islands in areas including increasing women’s political participation in conflict areas and party reform.

Australia provided approximately $800,000 to the Institute from 2008-2012 and has supported the placements of an Australian Business Volunteer and a staff member of the Centre for Democratic Institutions from the Australian National University to the Institute. Australia will provide $1.75 million to the Institute from 2013 to 2015. 

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