PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The world peace meeting was held at Gedung Merdeka, Bandung, on 18-24 April 1955 or commonly known as the Asian-African Conference (KAA). The KAA's impact on global politics is very significant.

This conference was chaired by PM Ali Sastroamijoyo and opened by President Soekarno. A total of 29 out of 30 countries in the Asia-Africa region came to this meeting. Central Africa (Rhodesia) was absent at that time because the situation in their country was not yet stable.

Quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the idea of meeting Asian-African countries was proposed by Indonesia after the Colombo Conference on April 28 1954. Although some participants were initially doubtful, in the end they agreed to the idea.

During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union faced each other as two superpowers. Then, an idea emerged to reduce tensions and bring about world peace.

Indonesia plays an important role in organizing the KAA, a forum that is an important milestone in the history of global diplomacy.

The background to the formation of the KAA began after the end of World War II. At that time, the Western Bloc led by the United States and the Eastern Bloc led by the Soviet Union emerged as major competing powers.

The Indonesian government initiated and organized the KAA with support from countries in Asia and Africa. The proposal to hold an KAA first appeared at the Colombo Conference in 1954, Indonesia acted as the main initiator.

The Colombo Conference, which was attended by representatives of five countries including Indonesia, discussed issues of mutual interest and produced support for the implementation of the KAA.

The aims of the KAA include advancing cooperation between nations, discussing economic, social and cultural issues, seeking solutions to problems of sovereignty, nationalism and colonialism, and strengthening the position of Asia and Africa in world peace efforts.

The first KAA implementation in Bandung in 1955 was clear evidence of Indonesia's active role in fostering cooperation between Asian and African nations. Indonesia succeeded in preparing the city of Bandung to host a high-level conference attended by 29 countries.

This conference produced 'Dasasila Bandung' or 'The Ten Principles', which reflects the principles of human rights, national sovereignty and world peace. This conference improved Indonesia's image in the eyes of the international world, especially among Asian and African nations who yearn for independence and peace.

The Bandung Tenets are considered the end of the era of colonialism and violence, as well as bringing about changes in the structure of international bodies such as the UN. This conference also gave rise to a spirit of solidarity among Asian and African countries.

In the context of the global economy, KAA emphasizes the need for developing countries to help each other and reduce dependence on leading industrial countries.

The KAA's final communique highlighted the importance of technical assistance between developing countries, exchange of technological knowledge, and the establishment of regional training and research institutions.

The KAA is not only a historical milestone in global diplomacy, but also makes a significant contribution. Especially in realizing peace, solidarity and cooperation between nations in Asia and Africa as well as strengthening Indonesia's position in the global political arena. (Diskominfo Bandung City/UPI)