REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NUSA DUA – Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard praises Indonesia's democratic progress which brings benefits to other sectors, such as economy, defense, and political stability.

"Your own nation and many others have also shown that over time the path to democracy is also the best path to development and peace," she said to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in her opening speech in 5th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) on Thursday.

Gillard also praised the forum where every party could deliver their views on democracy openly without filter. She added that the development of democratic value could be conducted in any ways, such as giving capacity building of general election process to a country. 

Gillard co-chairs the event with the President of South Korea Lee Myung Bak. Lee said in his keynote speech that Indonesia was a power of global economy. He believes that democracy is the highest achievement in humanity. A value in democracy, he said, was a respect towards human rights.

Australia and South Korea also welcome the establishment of Institute of Peace and Democracy initiated by BDF to implement the communique. The 5th BDF is held in Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) with the theme 'Advancing Democratic Principles in a Global Setting', President SBY acts as the forum chair.

SBY hopes BDF contributes to the improving quality of democracy regionally and globally. "Every year, BDF produces not only documents but also concrete outcomes to promote democracy," SBY said opening the forum.

SBY expects every party attending the forum can deliver and exchange their views on democracy. The implementation of democracy, he said, encouraged the developments of economy, politics, and other sectors.

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