Lessons from Beijing?<\/p>\n
Whether you agree or not with President Abdurrahman Wahid's
\npolicies, controversial statements and sometimes \"wicked\" sense
\nof humor, I am astonished by the sheer \"magic energy\" he has
\ndisplayed so far. This magic power of his is needed to finish
\nround after round of overseas trips in search of what he thinks
\nas a remedy -- albeit only a partial one -- for the country's
\neconomic ailments.<\/p>\n
Hopefully, the priestly flavored President does not
\noverestimate his strength, spiritual or physical, in breaking
\nthe world record for meeting world heads of state. Also his
\nfrantic missions are no proof that he is underestimating the
\ngrave situation at home, resulting in unabated cries for regional
\nautonomy and, worse still, intensifying separatist sentiments.<\/p>\n
It seems that the adjustment time from spiritual and party
\nleader to statesman and head of state (usually bound by protocol)
\nis lasting a bit too long than is comfortable for the nation to
\nwatch. His critics have shown irritation as regards his travel
\nsprees.<\/p>\n
Beijing is beaconing so strongly that President Abdurrahman
\nWahid embarks again, this time on a visit to the giant People's
\nRepublic of China, whose population exceeds one billion. The
\nfirst lesson that the President may learn is how China can feed
\nits people and provide employment as well as education for its
\nteeming masses. The second is how do cooperatives, medium and
\nsmall-scale industries complement the industries which cater for
\nexports, without which China could not survive.<\/p>\n
Ideologically, there is nothing to learn from a communist
\ncountry which applies repression more often than a humanistic
\napproach. Unlike religion, the ideology justifies all means to
\nachieve an end. The President is surely aware of all this.<\/p>\n
President Wahid should also know that in many respects China
\nand Indonesia are manufacturing and exporting the same items,
\nespecially textiles, and, to some extent, they are competitors.<\/p>\n
To join forces in manufacturing electronics and automotive
\nitems might lead to greater investments of Chinese capital in
\nIndonesia, and provide more employment. In any case, trade is
\nmuch better than aid.<\/p>\n
Is President Wahid perhaps interested in China's one child
\npolicy to curb population growth? A lesson that Indonesia can
\ncertainly learn is China's high level of industrial productivity
\nand zest for work.<\/p>\n
GANDHI SUKARDI<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/lessons-from-beijing-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }