NGOs as partners<\/p>\n
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often seen as
\ntroublemakers. We feel fortunate that the Coordinating Minister
\nfor Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman thinks
\ndifferently. He explained that there are at present about 8,000
\nNGOs in Indonesia and that out of that number only 32 have
\nproblems.<\/p>\n
The growth in the number of NGOs should indeed be viewed
\npositively and taken as an indication of growing public
\nparticipation in the affairs of our nation. For this reason it is
\nto be hoped that the government adopts a policy which places
\nemphasis on turning NGOs into partners in development, rather
\nthan view them as potential threats and inhibit them.<\/p>\n
The intention of the National Development Planning Board
\n(Bappenas) to hold talks with NGOs to draft its development plans
\nis a laudable initial step. We hope this initial step will not
\nprove to be also the last. On the contrary, we hope it will
\nsignal the germination of a true partnership.<\/p>\n
This is not a hope expressed without basis. As we see it, the
\nincreasing role which our private sector is now playing in our
\nnational economy will surely have certain negative impacts which
\nmust be anticipated. The government's intention to eventually
\nrely on the (generally profit-motivated) private sector to
\nshoulder 75 percent of investments will mean a decreased
\ngovernment role in various sectors, including those serving the
\npublic interest. As a consequence the role of society --
\nrepresented in this case by NGOs -- must be stepped up.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ngos-as-partners-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }