Diversity as an asset<\/p>\n
During earlier times the main challenge facing developing
\ncountries was to evict the colonial powers. In the 21st century,
\nMinister Siswono Yudohusodo said, the challenge that confronts
\nthese nations will be to bring prosperity to their respective
\npeoples \"in order that they may stand on a par with other
\ncountries rather than be reduced to second-rate nations\". The
\nnature of the competition among nations has shifted from one
\nmarked by the use of \"hard\" power to \"soft\" power, such as
\neconomic and cultural clout.<\/p>\n
In such a sphere of competition discipline alone will not be
\nenough. What will be needed is not merely valor and loyalty to
\nshared wider interests but rather a capability to come up with
\nnew creations. This means that in realizing the principle of
\nunity in diversity, Indonesia should shift the emphasis from the
\naspect of unity to that of diversity. Our diversity should be
\nrecognized as a strength rather than as a threat.<\/p>\n
Naturally bringing about such a shift should be done with
\ncare. If done in an uncontrolled manner, fragmentation might
\noccur. The break-up of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union and
\nCzechoslovakia could be taken as an example. It is in this
\ncontext that we support the President's statement on Sunday that
\n\"what we must all guard against are things running out of
\ncontrol\".<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/diversity-as-an-asset-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }