Juwono optimistic about Indonesia's survival<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono
\nSudarsono expressed optimism that Indonesia would emerge from the
\ncrisis, which many have said is threatening national unity,
\nAntara reported on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\"I am sure the nation will survive the crisis. Insya Allah
\n(God willing), within 18 to 24 months we will see signs of
\neconomic recovery and social conflicts will gradually reduce,\"
\nthe minister said.<\/p>\n
Juwono, also a professor of political science, was commenting
\nat the opening of a cultural dialog organized by the House
\nCommission VII for education and religion.<\/p>\n
The one-day talks also featured prominent businessman and
\nartist Setiawan Djody, who distributed his new book, Revolusi
\nKebudayaan (Cultural Revolution).<\/p>\n
The minister said Indonesia would soon become \"a new society\",
\na prospect the country has moved toward ever since resistance to
\ncolonial rule began 70 years ago.<\/p>\n
Juwono emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, saying
\ndevelopment needed to be sensitive to local cultures within the
\ncountry. \"Despite poverty, Indonesian culture is not poor.\"<\/p>\n
He said unrest in areas such as Aceh and Irian Jaya was
\nlargely a result of mismanagement of natural resources. Antara
\nnews agency has reported the involvement of large mining
\ncompanies in the provinces.<\/p>\n
While some cultural analysts have urged \"filtering\" influences
\nfrom outside cultures, Juwono said there should be a \"continuous
\nsynthesis between local and global cultures\".<\/p>\n
Juwono commented on the new media freedom, adding citizens
\nshould access the various international media. He said the media
\nrequired clear guidelines.<\/p>\n
Welcoming media freedom and embracing media restrictions was a
\n\"paradox\", but necessary for the nation's own good, he said.<\/p>\n
Media representatives are currently proposing a media bill to
\nthe House of Representatives. (rms)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/juwono-optimistic-about-indonesias-survival-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}