Jakarta Jurnal Nasional, Senin, 04 Agt 2008
by : Wahyudi Marhaen Pratopo ES
The spirit of Indonesian has proved that the nation can solve any challenge since colonial era, struggle for independence, until present economic and energy crises.
Presidential Spokesperson Dino Patti Djalal shared his optimistic view with Wahyudi M Pratopo and Yanuar Jatnika from Jurnal Nasional about the capability of Indonesian people to transform to be better. Here is the excerpt.
In the commemoration of 100 years of national awakening, the government determined “Indonesia Can” as the theme. Can you explain about it?
Talking about awakening, we talk about a spirit. In 1908 when national awaked, there was a new spirit, a different spirit, that at first we can be a nation from a number of ethnic groups. So we can be great nation just like other nation in the world. There was optimistic spirit to change our destiny.
The second meaning, there must be a quality. We can not build our nation if we are burdened or inhibited by cynicism or by negative energy. We must be driven by a can do spirit, can do-ism, a positive energy. You look at all other country in the world, how they reinvented themselves. It started with positive energy. You can look China under Den Xiao Ping or India under Manmohan Singh, Japan under Meiji Restoration. Finland also, after they collapsed, they reinvented by producing Nokia and building IT-based industry. They all start because something difference, and we can do it.
Unfortunately, now in Indonesia, if you look in media, or rhetoric of the politician, there are too much cynicisms, too much people mourned themselves. Believe me, you can not reinvent Indonesia and make Indonesia great nation with culture of cynicism. So, that’s why, team of “Indonesia Bisa” is a powerful one.
What the main capital of this nation so we can be very optimistic?
I think Indonesian always has a great human spirit. You look at how we could be independent. It was one of the most epic and romantic revolution in twenty century. We gain our independence with bloods, tears, and sweats. We show the world we have great spirit to be independent, and then to face turbulence. The point is, that the more we face crisis, more trial, and turbulence, Indonesian become more resilience and stronger. That is our main asset, a spirit to be better, to do better. We want to work hard and transform ourselves to be better.
Many people acknowledged Indonesia’s progress in political sector and democracy, but not for economy.
I disagree with that, because you can look at the indicators. Just now, Secretary General of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Angel Guerea met President. In a press conference, he said, “I am surprise in Indonesia that can growth at 6,1-6,2 percent. It is the highest among developing countries which growth around 2 percent at average.”
Our export now is the highest in industry, over US$100 billion. Our debt to GDP ratio is the lowest in history. Our foreign reserve is the highest ever. I think we are now one of the top twenty economies in the world. Our GDP is the highest ever and our GDP per capita also the highest ever. Our stock market is top three performing in Asia. We paid loan to IMF in four years as schedule and we are confidence to disband CGI, the Consultative Group on Indonesia.
We have to think that economically we are doing well. But there is a factor of global economy, factor that beyond our control, that is energy price. Other economy in the world slows down. So, our economy does better and better, but there is international factor that is very difficult.
How about the political sector?
I think our democracy has been said as model of democracy. Why, because we have two election, national and local election. Since 2004, local governments have been transformed because governors and regents or mayors were elected directly. So, democracy is not only at national level but democracy is penetrating into the grass root level in provinces.
Beyond that, in Indonesia democracy, Islam, and modernity go hand in hand together very well. It is our way of life. So, politically we do well. But, the big challenge is to connect democracy and good governance. And also combining democracy and maturity of our society, it is another challenge.
What do you think about leadership in Indonesia, not only executive but also parliament and others?
First, SBY is exceptional leader. He is one of the best presidents in Indonesia. I was with him when he run the government and cabinet, and he is a capable administrator and political leader. But SBY is unable to change Indonesia unless there are also good leaders in all layer, such as in parliament, cabinet, local government, religious leader, civil society, and military. If there is quality leader in each sector, then Indonesia will change.
Do you think other leaders back up the President?
They don’t necessarily need to back up the President, but the need to show leadership quality in their respective sector. Unfortunately, leadership in our culture society is not grown. So, it is difficult to grow a strong leadership culture. We have strong leaders but they don’t grow in a systematic effort. I hope we can see leadership culture emerging in Indonesia.
You have a lot of international experience. Is there any country which has similar problem with Indonesia?
I Think India. Mexico is also close. India is long democracy country and India is multiethnic and has large of population. India also has legacy of colonialism, but it also fights to eradicate poverty. India also faces ethnic conflict, religious issues, and problem of decentralization. So, democratic partnership between India and Indonesia is very important. Sharing experience with India is more relevant than with other countries.
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