Bali, Indonesia – September 26, 2024 — The Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum (SEAOF) convened on September 25-26 in Sanur, Bali, uniting representatives from various Ombudsman offices across the region to discuss strategies for enhancing good governance.
The meeting aimed to strengthen inter-organizational relationships and foster a deeper understanding of shared objectives, promoting a collaborative spirit among SEAOF members. Moderated by Sra. Esti Budianti of the Indonesian Ombudsman, the session opened with welcoming remarks from Sr. Johanes Widijantoro, who acknowledged the valuable contributions from participating delegations.
Notably, the meeting included representatives from the Public Complaints Bureau of Sarawak, Malaysia, and delegations from the Philippines, including Dennis Russell Baldago and Sheryll R. Bayan, as well as the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia, represented by Suganda Pandapotan Pasaribu, Esti Budiyanti, Patnuaji R. Indrarto, and Gunawan Siallagan. The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice of Timor-Leste was represented by Ambrosio Graciano Soares, Teresinha Ximenes, and Olga Vilanova. The Thai delegation included Nalinpun Waisuebkao, Kitiyabhorn Onchulee, and Onnalin Romanond.
The agenda featured several crucial discussions focused on collaborative initiatives. The Philippine Ombudsman presented a proposed comparative study structured in four phases, set to launch in 2025. Participants committed to updating their institutional model templates, with a draft due by October 18, 2024.
Additionally, a training plan introduced by the Thai Ombudsman outlined five key topics for future training sessions. Both online and in-person formats are planned, with the in-person training scheduled for November 2025 in Thailand. The Philippine Ombudsman also shared insights on funding strategies to support training and comparative studies, urging members to identify potential funding sources.
The feasibility of staff exchange programs among SEAOF members was discussed, encouraging participants to allocate budgets for these internships to enhance learning opportunities. Members also reviewed essential documents, including resolutions from phase two and the Jakarta Declaration, agreeing to consult their leadership for finalization.
Plans for the next SEAOF meeting in November were outlined, which will include a draft agenda and a mini-seminar aimed at local government representatives. Members were encouraged to confirm their participation and approval as speakers.
The meeting concluded with a summary presentation by the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia, who highlighted key agreements reached during the discussions. Insights were also provided by Johanes Widijantoro and Akmal Arif Bin Zainul Arif, Director of the Public Complaint Bureau Malaysia.
This SOM marks a significant step forward for the SEAOF, reinforcing the commitment of Ombudsman institutions across Southeast Asia, including the PDHJ, to collaborate in promoting effective governance and protecting the rights of citizens throughout the region.
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