International IDEA participated at the webinar
The webinar discussed the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken in Asia to democracy, peace and security in the region. While pandemic still raging, many countries are also facing challenges of local politics, and security issues. Political leadership is challenged to manage not only pandemic but also other persistent and ongoing issues, such as internal conflicts and human security challenges. Longer term concerns over economic slowdown are shadowing decision making. The Webinar focused on Indonesian experience in the regional context.
In reference to Global COVID-19 Monitoring Tool of Democracy and Human Rights, Leena Rikkilä Tamang mentioned that, on positive side, Indonesia has deployed significant welfare programmes for its citizens and openly reported the data about the pandemic. Yet, Media Integrity and Freedom of Expression have been curtailed amid the pandemic under the pretext of stopping disinformation with