Former Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri has proposed the idea of a second Asian-African Conference, arguing that a renewed gathering of developing nations could offer fresh solutions to today’s complex geopolitical tensions and contribute to global peace efforts.
Speaking during the 71st anniversary commemoration of the historic Bandung Conference, Megawati said the concept of a “Bandung Conference 2.0” remains highly relevant in the current global landscape.
“Organizing Bandung Conference 2.0 is very relevant to the current era,” she said on Saturday, emphasizing the need for a new platform that reflects contemporary realities while drawing inspiration from the past.
Megawati referred to the legacy of her father, Soekarno, who played a central role in organizing the original conference in 1955. She described his geopolitical vision as a guiding framework for navigating present-day global challenges.
“Here, Bung Karno’s geopolitical thoughts serve as a compass for the nation’s and the world’s future,” she said.
The original Bandung Conference, held in Bandung, West Java, from April 18 to 24, 1955, brought together 29 countries representing more than half of the world’s population. It aimed to promote cooperation among newly independent nations and oppose colonialism and neocolonialism.
The meeting produced the “Dasasila Bandung,” or Ten Principles of Bandung, which emphasized sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among nations. These principles later influenced the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement and shaped the diplomatic posture of many countries in the Global South.
Megawati warned that the world is now facing a resurgence of dynamics similar to those that prompted the original conference. She pointed to the re-emergence of neocolonialism and neoimperialism in new forms, arguing that these trends threaten the sovereignty of developing nations.
According to her, a second conference could serve as a platform for countries in Asia and Africa—as well as other regions—to reaffirm their independence and strengthen collective responses to external pressures.
She expressed optimism that such a forum would empower nations to maintain their sovereignty while promoting cooperation based on equality and mutual respect.
Beyond regional cooperation, Megawati also called for significant reforms to the United Nations, arguing that its current structure no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.
She criticized the concentration of power within the UN Security Council, particularly the veto authority held by its permanent members—countries that emerged victorious from World War II. According to Megawati, this structure perpetuates inequality and limits the organization’s ability to act fairly.
She noted that Soekarno himself had previously advocated for what he called a “retooling” of the United Nations, with the goal of creating a more balanced and equitable global system.
As part of her proposal, Megawati suggested abolishing the veto power, which she believes allows a small number of countries to dominate international decision-making. She argued that removing this mechanism would create a more democratic and representative global governance structure.
In addition, she proposed relocating the UN headquarters to a more neutral location, aiming to ensure greater impartiality in its operations. Currently based in New York, the UN has often faced criticism from some countries over perceived geopolitical biases.
Megawati also called for amendments to the UN Charter to incorporate the values of Pancasila, Indonesia’s state ideology, as a potential foundation for international relations. Pancasila emphasizes principles such as social justice, unity, democracy, and belief in God, which she said could contribute to a more balanced global order.
Her remarks also addressed ongoing global conflicts and interventions, which she said have contributed to instability. She cited actions by the United States in countries such as Venezuela and Iran as examples of policies that have exacerbated tensions.
These developments, she argued, highlight the urgency of reforming international institutions and creating new platforms for dialogue among developing nations.
The proposal for a renewed Bandung Conference comes at a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Rivalries among major powers, regional conflicts, and economic uncertainties have raised concerns about the stability of the global order.
Observers note that the original Bandung Conference emerged during the Cold War, when newly independent nations sought to avoid alignment with either of the dominant blocs. Today’s geopolitical environment, while different in structure, presents similar challenges in terms of power competition and global inequality.
A modern version of the conference could potentially expand beyond Asia and Africa to include countries from Latin America and other regions, reflecting the broader composition of what is often referred to as the Global South.
Analysts say that such a forum could provide an opportunity to address issues ranging from economic inequality and climate change to technological governance and security concerns.
However, organizing a conference of this scale would require significant diplomatic coordination and consensus among participating countries. Differences in political systems, economic priorities, and strategic interests could pose challenges to achieving unified outcomes.
Despite these obstacles, Megawati’s proposal highlights a growing interest in revisiting historical frameworks for international cooperation. The Bandung Conference remains a powerful symbol of solidarity among developing nations and their collective pursuit of independence and equality.
The legacy of the 1955 meeting continues to resonate, particularly in discussions about global governance and the role of emerging economies. Its emphasis on sovereignty and non-interference remains relevant in a world where many countries seek to balance national interests with international cooperation.
Megawati’s call for a second conference suggests that these principles may still hold value in addressing contemporary challenges. By adapting the spirit of Bandung to modern conditions, she believes it is possible to create a new platform for dialogue and collaboration.
As global tensions persist and calls for reform grow louder, the idea of a renewed Asian-African Conference may gain traction among countries seeking alternative approaches to international relations.
Whether such a proposal can be realized remains uncertain. However, it reflects an ongoing debate about how best to build a more inclusive and equitable global order—one that reflects the voices and interests of a wider range of nations.
