Modernization is not westernization<\/p>\n
Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said recently
\nthat modernization is not westernization. He said we live in an
\nera where everyone is racing toward progress based on
\nintelligence, productivity, efficiency and time consciousness.<\/p>\n
We share the minister's view. This is a serious matter because
\nthe common perception is that modernization is equal to a total
\nimitation of everything western, encompassing all spheres from
\nlife styles to politics and economics.<\/p>\n
Seen from the socio-economic point of view, for example, our
\nsociety now is marked by hedonism, materialism, violence and
\nexclusivity. It is as if we have become a carbon copy of the
\nworst of the West. In the political sphere, political openness
\nhas come to be regarded as transparency based on antagonistic
\ndynamism.<\/p>\n
While riding the waves of high economic growth and
\nglobalization, it is urgent that the misunderstandings of
\nconcepts be remedied.<\/p>\n
Self-identity could be preserved amid the information
\nexplosion as the case of Japan has shown.<\/p>\n
It is important to remember that a nation can make strides
\nforward without having to imitate anything western.<\/p>\n
-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/modernization-is-not-westernization-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }