"The realization of the Bandung Spirit is not yet complete, and the suffering of the Palestinian people is the clearest evidence of that," she said during the "Global Civilizations Dialogue" hosted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Beijing, China, on Thursday.
The Bandung Spirit, also known in Indonesia as Dasasila Bandung, refers to the 10 principles of world peace and cooperation adopted during the 1955 Asian-African Conference.
The fifth Indonesian president lamented the global community’s failure to unify efforts to alleviate Palestinian suffering, despite significant advancements in science and technology.
Megawati expressed support for the "Global Civilization Initiative" proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping on March 15, 2023, calling it "an important contribution to building a just, inclusive, and harmonious world."
She also voiced hope for the drafting of a "Charter for a Shared Future" during the dialogue, as suggested by Xi.
"The charter will call for a world based on mutual respect among nations, free from domination, hegemony, and exploitation. It will also promote collective responsibility," she said.
According to Megawati, the proposed charter should promote universal values such as respect for cultural diversity, personal dignity, freedom, and the development of civilizations that balance material and spiritual needs.
It should also emphasize shared responsibility for preserving the planet and building peace, while rejecting the over-exploitation of natural resources.
"I believe the values of universal ethics can resolve global tensions stemming from armed conflicts, great power rivalries, and harmful economic competition," she said.
"The world may be on the brink of division, but we must remain optimistic. We can change the course of history — as long as we stand for truth and justice."
In addition to attending the dialogue, Megawati also met with Liu Jianchao, head of the CCP’s International Department (IDCPC), during her visit to Beijing.
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Translator: Desca Lidya N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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