All systems go for CALD Bali Conference

The stage is set for the upcoming CALD Conference in Bali, Indonesia. For the newest CALD member-party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), all systems are already in place to host CALD in its first ever conference in Bali, a relaxing escape known for its sandy beaches, scenic landscapes, rich artistry and vibrant cultural tradition. Bali is also the stronghold of PDI-P, the largest opposition party.

With the theme “Pluralism and Development in Asia,” the event will be attended by around 40 international delegates from within the Asian region and from across Europe.  Local officials, members and networks of PDI-P are also expected to participate.

Last September 12-16, 2011, CALD secretariat members Mr. Celito Arlegue, executive director, and Mr. Paolo Zamora, senior program officer, made a visit to Jakarta and Bali to ensure that all the preparations for the event are in order. They met with Mr. Rainer Erkens, the new resident representative of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) in Indonesia, who views the event as an opportunity to get to know CALD and its members better, and to further strengthen ties with other liberal partners in the region.

The CALD secretariat members also had a series of meetings with PDI-P officials: Mr. Hasto Kristiyanto, deputy secretary general of the central leadership board secretariat, Mr. Valens Daki-Soo, SH, secretary of the department of defense and security, and Mr. Ihsan Yunus, member of the international affairs department. Mr. Kristiyanto confirmed that Hon. Megawati Soekarnoputri, former president of Indonesia and current chairperson of PDI-P, agreed to deliver the keynote address during the opening session of the conference.  Ibu Megawati, as what her party-mates call her, also conveyed that PDI-P will do its best to ensure the success of CALD Bali Conference.

During the visit to Bali, PDI-P also arranged meetings between the members of the CALD secretariat and local government officials who can provide support and assistance during the conference. Mr. Arlegue and Mr. Zamora met with Hon. Made Mangku Pastika, the governor of Bali and a member of PDI-P. Governor Pastika committed to host a dinner and cultural show and pledged his full support to ensure the smooth flow of the entire event. The governor said that he would like to show the delegates the warm hospitality that Bali is known for, and to share with them the principles that guide a diverse society such as Bali namely: peace, democracy, and tolerance.

Aside from the governor, the CALD secretariat also met Hon. Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti, the Bupati (Regent) of Tabanan – Bali and Mr. Nyoman Adi Wiryatama, secretary general of PDI-P in Bali, who both pledged their assistance by providing volunteers and other logistical assistance for the conference.

The CALD Bali Conference will be held on November 4-7, 2011. An Executive Committee meeting of CALD is also scheduled to take place during the conference.

Categorised in: News Article

This post was written by CALD