Megawati Proposes Bandung Conference 2.0 to Counter Global Tensions

Former Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri has proposed reviving the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference through a new initiative dubbed “Bandung Conference 2.0” to address rising global tensions and polarization.

Speaking at an event in Jakarta on April 17, 2026, Megawati emphasized that the original Bandung Principles — which promoted peace, cooperation, and non-alignment among newly independent nations — remain relevant in confronting contemporary challenges such as geopolitical rivalries, economic fragmentation, and ideological divides.

She called for a renewed dialogue between Asian and African nations to strengthen multilateralism and prevent the world from slipping into competing blocs, warning that current trends risk undermining decades of progress in international cooperation.

The proposal draws on the legacy of the Dasasila Bandung, the ten principles established at the historic 1955 conference in Bandung, Indonesia, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement and emphasized mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, and peaceful coexistence.

Megawati argued that these principles could serve as a moral compass in today’s fragmented global order, particularly as major powers engage in strategic competition and developing nations face increasing pressure to choose sides.

Indonesian foreign policy officials have begun exploring the feasibility of convening a follow-up forum, though no official date or participating nations have been confirmed. The initiative is expected to build on Indonesia’s longstanding role as a mediator in global diplomacy, particularly within the Global South.

Support for the idea has emerged from various quarters, including academic institutions and civil society groups in Asia and Africa, who view the Bandung legacy as a valuable framework for addressing issues such as climate change, public health, and economic inequality through South-South cooperation.

However, analysts note that reviving such a forum would require overcoming significant hurdles, including divergent national interests, the complexity of modern alliances, and the absence of a unifying anti-colonial narrative that defined the original movement.

As of April 18, 2026, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official statement on the proposal, but senior diplomats have acknowledged receiving the suggestion and said it is under consideration as part of broader efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s global engagement.