De-westernization?<\/p>\n
Interestingly enough, in response to the feature on global de-
\nwesternization by Herbert Kremp (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 2, 1996),
\nIngrid Cosijn-Mitrasing of Palembang dismissed the omen of de-
\nwesternization because it has not advanced to the crucial extent
\nsignaled by the feature writer. Herbert Kremp observes that the
\nworld is being de-westernized. The shift of vitality and nobility
\nfrom the West to the East causes Kremp to agree with historian
\nPaul Kennedy's perception that the 21st century will be the most
\ndangerous in the planet's history. Given the scanty premise, the
\nconclusion sounds rather farfetched.<\/p>\n
Although the title of Kremp's article was cast in the form of
\na query, his conclusion was clearly in the affirmative.<\/p>\n
No wonder it drew a crisp reaction from Ingrid Cosijn-
\nMitrasing (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 19, 1996).<\/p>\n
However, my comment differs distinctly from the counter
\nargument cited above. In my view, the notion of global de-
\nwesternization sounds utterly out of place, as contemporary needs
\nobviously call for a global economic network in which
\nrelationships between nations hinge on interdependence and mutual
\nco-existence, or soogo-ison as the Japanese call it. This concept
\nwas expounded by Kenichi Ohmae in his book Borderless World
\n(1991).<\/p>\n
In my view, when de-colonization has been accomplished, the
\nnotion of de-westernization will be superfluous. The concept is
\ndelusive, inasmuch as it clearly rests on the premise that
\nwestern civilization and culture dominate the world.<\/p>\n
The nation that is successful in eradicating colonial
\nsubjugation in the political sphere will ably decide its course
\nof action to consummate its national identity.<\/p>\n
But Western civilization and culture are phenomena that cannot
\nbe abolished offhand. This is true in any branch of science and
\ntechnology.<\/p>\n
In the field of law, for instance, the great minds of the West
\nhave outlived the turbulence of history. It's amazing that after
\n50 years of independence, the 19th century Civil Procedures,
\nCommercial Codes (except for Company law) and Criminal Codes that
\noriginated from the Napoleonic codes remain in force today in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Turning to the necessities of daily life, one cannot disregard
\nthe foreign transportation, housing and entertainment comforts
\nthat are in vogue today.<\/p>\n
The notion of de-westernization, more so that of \"anti-
\nwesternism\", is senseless when it is acknowledged that the
\nemulated features and actions of foreign origin on television are
\naccepted wholesale by Indonesian viewers.<\/p>\n
Given such circumstances, censoring western influences should
\nbe confined to specific areas.<\/p>\n
Particularly in the field of law, Western conceptions may
\nstill have relevance, as witnessed by the effective banking,
\ninsurance and stock market laws. Some need review, like laws
\ngoverning the judiciary, with special reference to the
\nadministration of justice by the Supreme Court which draws strong
\ncriticism from the public.<\/p>\n
SAM SUHAEDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/de-westernization-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }