Bali - Indonesia has been awarded the Democracy Medal by the International Association of Political Consultants. Accepting the award on the island of Bali, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the country had transformed itself in less than a decade and `would never return to repression`.
The IAPC said that the country proved that Islam and democracy can co-exist by `establishing and maintaining the only functioning democracy in South-East Asia.`
Dr Yudhoyono said that: "The heart and soul of Indonesia remains moderate and progressive. In Indonesia democracy, Islam and modernity go hand in hand. Democracy in Indonesia has reached a point of no return."
The president of the IAPC, Ben Goddard, said: "Indonesia is a shining example of hope," pointing out that the world`s most populous Muslim nation had demonstrated that Islamic values were compatible with democracy.
Earlier today the Pope welcomed the new Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See and praised the South-East Asian country for its "commitment to pursue policies aimed at advancing the noble goals of democracy and social harmony enshrined in the Constitution."
Pope Benedict pointed out, however, that: "Certainly at present one of the gravest threats to Indonesia`s cherished ideal of national unity is the phenomenon of international terrorism," the Pope added, expressing his appreciation for the Indonesian government`s "position of condemning terrorist violence, under whatever pretext it occurs, as a criminal offence which, by its contempt for human life and freedom, undermines the very foundations of society.
"This is particularly the case when the holy name of God is invoked as a justification for such acts. The Church, ... in fidelity to the teaching of her Master, unequivocally condemns the manipulation of religion for political ends, while urging the application of international humanitarian law in every aspect of the fight against terrorism."
He added: "Indonesia, as a multi-religious country with the largest Muslim population of any nation in the world, plays an important and positive role in promoting inter-religious cooperation, both within its borders and in the international community. Dialogue, respect for the convictions of others, and collaboration in the service of peace are the surest means of securing social concord."
He praised the "promising development ... represented by the growing instances of cooperation between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia, aimed particularly at the prevention of ethnic and religious conflicts in the most troubled areas."
But he also advocated the rights of Catholics there who want to play a full part in the life of the nation. “Through their network of educational and health care institutions, they seek to offer a significant service to their brothers and sisters, regardless of religion, and to instill the ethical values fundamental for authentic civic progress and peaceful coexistence. "While their right to the free exercise of their religion in complete equality with their fellow citizens is guaranteed by the national Constitution," he added, "the protection of this fundamental human right calls for constant vigilance on the part of all.
"In this regard I note that Indonesia has recently acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and I am confident that this will help to further consolidate the freedom and legitimate autonomy of individual Christians and their institutions."
Pope Benedict concluded: "As Indonesia now sits as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, I take the present occasion to express my confidence that the principles which inspire your own national policies of pacification, dialogue and tolerance will enable Indonesia to make a fruitful contribution to the solution of global conflicts and the promotion of a peace based on international solidarity and concern for the integral development of individuals and peoples."
Source: www.religiousintelligence.co.uk (13 November 2007)
