REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia needs to raise the points of the Bandung Declaration, or "Dasa Sila Bandung", produced during the first Asian-African Conference (AAC) in Bandung, West Java, in 1955 in the present context, noted an observer.
"The AAC is a strong forum. Indonesia should play its role by raising the Bandung Declaration to voice its outlook to the problems faced by the Asian-African nations," Paramadina University's Director for Post-graduate Program Dinna Wisnu stated here on Monday (20/4).
In April 1955, the representatives from 29 governments of Asian and African nations congregated in Bandung to discuss peace and the role of the Third World during the Cold War era, economic development, and decolonization.
She affirmed that the core principles of the first AAC held in Bandung 60 years ago were political self-determination, mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality.
These issues were of key importance to all participants in the conference, most of which had recently emerged from the colonial rule.
During the concluding session of the conference, attendees signed a communique that included a range of concrete objectives.
These objectives included the promotion of economic and cultural cooperation, protection of human rights and the principle of self-determination, a call for an end to racial discrimination wherever it occurred, and a reiteration of the importance of peaceful coexistence.
"The principles of the 1955 Bandung Declaration are strategic to mobilize the strength and unity of developing countries across Asia and Africa," Dinna stated.
She emphasized that the current economic problem is a common issue that needs to be addressed as several Asian-African countries are economically vulnerable since they do not have access to resources and possess low bargaining power in the eyes of the investors.
"So far, Indonesia has yet to take decisive steps to address this matter. In Africa, there are still many countries that do not possess adequate bargaining power while dealing with investors such as China. They can only have a soft voice when the relationship with their investor is imbalanced," she affirmed.
According to Dinna, the bargaining power of those countries with investors is not strong due to rejection from international financial institutions.
Therefore, Dinna noted that Indonesia should play its role as a balancing force in overcoming inequality that can help to maintain political stability and security in the Asian-Pacific region.
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