HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday safely arrived in Bali, the Republic of Indonesia, to attend the Bali Democracy Forum VI to be held from November 7 to November 8.

Upon arrival at the Ngurah Rai International Airport, His Majesty was greeted by Dato Paduka Seri Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal & Security Affairs, Republic of Indonesia, and senior officials from the Government of the Republic of Indonesia.

Also present to greet His Majesty was Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mahmud bin Haji Saidin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Indonesia.

His Majesty then boarded a motorcade towards the St Regis Bali Hotel where His Majesty will reside throughout the forum. Upon arrival at the hotel, His Majesty was greeted by Helimut Pluecker, the Managing Director of the hotel and staff.

The theme for this year’s Bali Democracy Forum VI is “Consolidating Democracy in Pluralistic Society”, which focuses on the topics “Conducting Free and Fair Elections” and “Building and Strengthening Democratic Institutions”.

The Bali Democracy Forum initiated by Indonesia in 2008 is an annual inclusive and open intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The forum is aimed to promote and foster regional and international cooperation in the field of peace and democracy through dialogue based on sharing experiences and best practices that adhere to the principle of equality, mutual respect and understanding.

Accompanying His Majesty are Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office and Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II. Prior to His Majesty’s departure to Bali, a Doa Selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

Present at His Majesty The Sultan’s Flight hangar to bid farewell to His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, as well as other members of the royal family.

Also present at the hangar to bid farewell to His Majesty were YAM Pengiran Cheterias, the Speaker of the Legislative Council, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Privy Council, Deputy Ministers, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Commissioner of Police, as well as a representative from the Indonesian Embassy to Brunei Darussalam. - Borneo Bulletin (7 November 2013)