Open-mindedness needed<\/p>\n
In a laudable speech delivered during the 49th anniversary of
\nthe Indonesian Islamic Student Association (HMI), Mar'ie Mohammad
\nappealed to young Indonesians to open themselves up, not to
\nindulge in exclusivism and not to take an a priori stance towards
\nany thought, view or idea whatever, wherever it comes from.
\nAccording to the former HMI activist and current Minister of
\nFinance, young Indonesians will thus be able to bring in the gust
\nof fresh air Indonesia needs to face a globalized future.<\/p>\n
We agree with Mar'ie that the younger generation needs to be
\ntrained and educated early on to develop any kind of farsighted
\nvision. Vision is what we need to confront the multidimensional
\nchanges which we will be facing in the years that are to come.<\/p>\n
We don't just need this vision in exceptional times, such as
\nthe struggle for independence -- the kind of vision our founding
\nfathers displayed. We need the same kind of vision now, too, when
\nour nation is being confronted by the fundamental changes of this
\nnew era. Both eras usher in change although of a very different
\ncharacter in terms of substance and nature.<\/p>\n
In anticipating that coming era, our readiness to open
\nourselves up to new views and thoughts without abandoning a
\ncritical stance is of the greatest importance. We also need some
\nkind of \"moral ecology\" in order to live within the bounds of
\nmorality.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, this attitude of openness towards new ideas
\nis bound to collide with old established conceptions. The problem
\nis to make sure that such a collision leaves no serious wounds.
\nSo we need to remember that change is natural. As the saying
\ngoes, nothing is permanent except change itself.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/open-mindedness-needed-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }