CDI Supports Indonesia’s Engagement with Democratisation in Egypt
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^ Mr Paul Rowland, Dr Stephen Sherlock and Dr Hassan Wirajuda Hassan Wirayuda in Jakarta. |
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^ Mr Paul Rowland, Dr Stephen Sherlock, Dr Ketut Erawan and Dr Hassan Wirajuda Hassan Wirayuda meeting in Denpasar. |
Dramatic events have been sweeping the Middle East and north Africa since early 2011. Popular uprisings, first in Tunisia and then in Egypt, brought an end to the rule of long-standing authoritarian regimes. Popular movements have arisen in Libya, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Algeria and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Developments in the Middle East have been strikingly similar to the overthrow of the Suharto regime in Indonesia in 1998. Many observers were quick to see the parallels, not only in relation to the overthrow of regimes but also regarding the tasks of constructing a new democratic order. In particular, the similarity between Egypt and Indonesia in terms of size, socio-religious composition and recent political history, suggested that there could be lessons from the Indonesian experience that might be shared with Egypt. A dialogue with individuals involved in the democratic transformation of Indonesia could be a source of ideas and inspiration for those leading the reconstruction of Egyptian politics.
In response to a clear feeling amongst partner organisations in Indonesia that they would like to contribute to pro-democracy forces in other parts of the world, CDI launched a venture to encourage Indonesia’s engagement with democrats in Egypt. Beginning in March 2011, CDI joined forces with the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to support a series of activities led by the Institute of Peace and Democracy (IPD) in Bali. Under the leadership of Dr Hassan Wirajuda, former Foreign Minister of Indonesia and Patron of IPD, the Institute has begun a program of dialogue on democratisation between Indonesia and Egypt.
The objective has been to build on the long-standing feeling of affinity between Egyptians and Indonesians dating back to their mutual support during the fight for independence. Dialogue about the recent common struggle for democracy can provide Egyptians with inspiration and ideas, while Indonesians can be encouraged to pause and consider their recent past and lessons to be learnt. From CDI’s perspective, this is an exciting opportunity to support a further stage in the process of democratic consolidation in Indonesia as the country begins to play a role in strengthening regional and global movements for democracy.
The Indonesian delegation in the Indonesia-Egypt dialogue on democracy has been led by Dr Hassan Wirajuda. Together with support from CDI and NDI, Dr Wirajuda and IPD have brought together a range of leading figures from Indonesia and Egypt to exchange ideas about the processes of democratic change and institutional reform. The participants do not act as spokespeople for parties or organisations, nor do they represent their respective governments, but participate in their personal capacity.
In the first step towards organising a cross-country dialogue, Dr Hassan Wirajuda held meetings in Jakarta and Denpasar with the Director of CDI, Dr Stephen Sherlock, the Director of IPD, Dr Ketut Erawan and the Director of NDI, Mr Paul Rowland, in late March 2011. The meetings discussed the principles and objectives of the dialogue, the topics to be discussed and participants to attend, as well as dealing with matters regarding organisation and funding.
Following the highly successful first dialogue in Jakarta in May 2011 and the suggestion from the Egyptian side to continue the dialogue, IPD, CDI and NDI resolved to organise further activities. In June and July 2011, CDI Director, Dr Stephen Sherlock, visited Jakarta to contribute to the planning for an ongoing series of Indonesia-Egypt exchanges sponsored by IPD and supported by CDI and NDI. Dr Hassan Wirajuda convened working meetings of the three organisations where ideas for upcoming events were discussed and timelines established. The next meeting in the dialogue is taking place in Egypt in July 2011 and will provide the opportunity for a number of Indonesians to observe the situation in Egypt and come to a more detailed understanding of the nature of the huge political changes taking place in Egypt and the Middle East.
