Principles of life
Much has changed in the world in 50 years. Technology, economic development and the birth of a new international order has precipitated a world that is inching closer to the ideals that mankind strives for.
When Asian and African leaders gathered in Bandung 50 years ago, their mission seemed so much simpler. They strived for the liberation of colonized peoples and pledged not to be pawns in superpower rivalry. In many respects, our forefathers succeeded in their mission of creating a better world. No less than several dozen countries on the two continents were liberated as an indirect result of the Bandung Conference.
But things are still far from perfect. From superpower rivalry, the world has now succumbed to a unilateral hegemony. The struggle against colonialism has changed into a struggle to liberate nations against new forms of enslavement, such as poverty and ignorance.
While a majority of Asian and African states half a century ago were prostrate to foreign entities, many are now subjects of their own self-created demons -- despotism and totalitarianism.
The cries of "freedom" are no longer directed against oppressors of a lighter skin. Instead, the cries are for equality, human rights and dignity.
What was sought by the delegates in Bandung in 1955 -- independence for colonized peoples and detachment from superpower competition -- may have been achieved, but the essence of their vision of creating a better world for their peoples remains a monumental challenge.
Hence the fabled 10 Bandung Principles remain as relevant today as they did 50 years ago, when oil cost just US$1.50 per barrel.
In essence, these 10 principles have three underlying themes, which in this modern age all pose unique challenges.
The first is elevating human dignity through unquestioning respect for human rights, equality and justice. To this very day, a majority of the peoples of Asia and Africa are not accorded their basic rights to live in dignity. Political oppression still seems the norm rather than the exception, while basic welfare, such as access to education and health services, continues to be lacking. Collusion and nepotism reign supreme in many countries, thus limiting the average citizen's opportunity to raise his/her personal economic well-being.
The second core theme is sovereignty. While most countries on the two continents are now de jure independent, the political reality is that they continue to be pawns in a greater power struggle.
Aside from this, it is unfortunate that the principle of sovereignty is now often used as a shield to deflect international criticism of domestic abuses. Sovereignty does not entail a blank cheque for a regime to do whatever it wants against its own people. It is not an excuse to commit blatant violations of people's universal rights.
The third core theme is that of international peace and cooperation. The Bandung Conference was an example of how international goodwill and understanding can become a force for improving the world. It should be the duty, based on this core theme, of the more established nations of Asia and Africa to help their less fortunate peers. It is in this context that we can also understand Indonesia's eagerness to host the 2005 Asian- African Summit.
Given these challenges, the tasks that lie ahead of the leaders meeting in Jakarta and Bandung are no less formidable than those that faced their predecessors in 1955. We can only hope that they have the same determination to uphold and realize the Bandung Principles.