Page 121 - BUKU STRENGTHENING THE INDONESIAN PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY FADLI ZON

It seemed to be a long way to accomplish the establishment of a factual fair trade regime. With
the spread of idea and the political willingness of the world leaders however, a global fair trade
regime is visible.

Further on the impact of globalization, household income inequality increased on average in
almost all regions of the developing world. Among the developed nations similarly, the Gini

coefficient of income inequality in 17 of 22 OECD countries has been continuously increased
since 1985.

Winners and losers exist at all levels of society. Globalization has been liable in creating
unemployment, increasing income inequality, and further marginalizing the poor in the global
economy.

There has been a wide recognition towards the need of a more balanced, reasonable and fair
globalization that ensures opportunities for all. If globalization is unavoidable, it should be
better managed from the perspective of the global citizens, in favor of fairness, economic equality
and social security; by advocating the principles of shared prosperity, inter-connectedness, and
mutual benefit.

European foreign-policy makers have utilized the term ‘effective multilateralism’ as a strategic
concept aimed at creating cohesion and coherence among the union. It should be effective,
by means that multilateralism should be able to build a stronger international society, which
governed by well-functioning institutions in upholding international rules. Strengthening the
role of the people to be involved in the decision making process, should be at the heart of the
spirit of effective multilateralism.

People’s involvement in fact, is also the essence of democracy. However, it is unfortunate that
with the increased number of electoral democracies, a large number of people are still unable
to fight for their own interests as they continued to be excluded from economic independence.
In a world dominated by free market liberalism, political democracy does not guarantee social
and economic justice.

Allow me to briefly elaborate my perspective on democracy, referring to the thoughts of
Indonesia’s first vice president Mohammad Hatta in his speech, titled “Our Democracy”.
Hatta clearly justified that social democracy connects unconditional political democracy and
economic democracy. Social democracy embodied in politics under the principles of people’s
sovereignty and local autonomy; and in economy under the principles of cooperative and
state’s ownership of national resources. Social democracy assures the contentment of the people
through adequate food, clothing, housing, proper health care and pension plan. Facing the
challenges of globalization, effective multilateralism for Asia and Europe should be applied by
promoting the ideology of democracy with the adoption of local wisdom and values.

108 I Selected Speeches of the Vice Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia