Fifty civic, business and academic leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar and Timor Leste convened for the second meeting of the Southeast Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy (SEAFID) on August 12- 14, 2008. The two-day meeting focused on recent socio-political issues and development related to the existing condition of minority and majority Muslims in Southeast Asian nations. In their respective country reports, delegates from each participating country emphasized the need for close coordination and assistance from neighboring countries to help resolve conflicts and find solutions to social ills. The meeting was a venue for delegates to exchange opinions on developing a strong and solid network among moderate-progressive Muslim intellectuals and civic leaders in the region. It also explored the strengthening of commitment to developing SEAFID into a credible regional forum. Delegates recommended general plans and projects adhering to SEAFID’s primary missions. Emphasis was given to actualizing the SEAFID mission statement in exploring possible solutions and recommendations on problems, especially in Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. Delegates also witnessed the historic approval of a draft SEAFID Charter.
JAKARTA MEET ON ISLAM AND DEMOCRACY
Fifty civic, business and academic leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar and Timor Leste convened for the second meeting of the Southeast Asian Forum on Islam and Democracy (SEAFID) on August 12- 14, 2008.
