Smooth transfer of leadership needed: Gus Dur<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Moslem scholar Abdurrahman Wahid, better known
\nas Gus Dur, is an astute social and political observer, whose
\nviews very often shape public opinion.<\/p>\n
He has a strong opinion as to what major problems Indonesia
\nwill face in the next five years, naming a smooth transfer of
\nleadership as paramount on the agenda. He examines these issues
\nin the following question and answer.<\/p>\n
Question: What do you think is the biggest test for Indonesia
\nin the next few years?<\/p>\n
Answer: It depends on the specific fields we are dealing with.<\/p>\n
In politics, for instance, the most important agenda is for
\nIndonesia to see a transfer of power from a government whose
\nstate leadership style is a personalized one, to one which is
\nwholly institutionalized.<\/p>\n
The main question is how Indonesia can smoothly change the
\npersonalized leadership (style) into something that (relies more)
\non an institution.<\/p>\n
In relation to ideology, the main challenge is how to solidify
\nour ideological life so that it remains securely anchored on
\nnationalism. This is because there are now threats toward our
\nideology from "narrow-minded" groups seeking to dominate. These
\ngroups could be religious in nature, or ethnic groups, which play
\non the (conflict) between indigenous and nonindigenous people.<\/p>\n
The challenge is how we can balance the needs of those groups,
\nwhose dimensions are very narrow, with the need to widen the
\nhorizon and scope of our life as a nation.<\/p>\n
Q: In other fields?<\/p>\n
A: In economics, the main agenda for Indonesia is how to narrow
\nthe gap between the rich and the poor. And how to maintain a more
\njust economic structure.<\/p>\n
In other words, if we are committed to the free market, then
\nwe should not let this develop into injustice. In fact,
\ncommitment toward the free market should be developed so that its
\nresults support social justice.<\/p>\n
Take for instance the European countries, Japan and the United
\nStates, where economic liberalization and stiff competition serve
\nto strengthen people's empowerment.<\/p>\n
Q: What about the cultural field?<\/p>\n
A: I think that the most important agenda is how to develop
\nvalues and outlooks that are able to neutralize the negative
\nimpact of the commercialization of our culture.<\/p>\n
Take entertainment, for instance. It is so commercial in
\nnature that the other impulses of society do not have any room at
\nall.<\/p>\n
This means that we need the ability to balance the commercial
\ndimension (of our culture) with other dimensions, including
\nhumanity, wisdom and spirituality.<\/p>\n
Q: And the field of religion?<\/p>\n
A: The greatest challenge that Indonesia will face in the next
\nfew years is how to give religion a cosmopolitan face. There
\nshould not be any exclusive position toward other religions and
\nbeliefs, which have their own spirituality .<\/p>\n
There should not be any escalation of exclusivism. Instead,
\nthere should be a willingness to learn from each other. There
\nshould be a process of searching for a greater coexistence
\nbetween different religious and spiritual groups.<\/p>\n
This is important for us to reach a healthy, constitutional
\nlife. According to the 1945 Constitution, everybody is equal
\nbefore the law. How do we make this a reality? How do we enforce
\nthe law and not let intimidation and use of force prevail?<\/p>\n
Take for instance the (recent) case of (a group of Moslem
\nleaders' outrage over some articles published by) Kompas. Our
\ntest is how to strengthen the position of those seeking to
\nexpress their opinion, so that they will not be intimidated by
\nthe snarling of exclusivists. I regret the case because people
\nare now hesitant about voicing their opinion freely.<\/p>\n
Q: What is our agenda in the social sphere?<\/p>\n
A: What's most important is how to curb the emergence of "narrow
\nloyalty", such as loyalty toward one's region only. This (narrow
\nloyalty) sometimes (annuls) a sense of belonging that should
\nexist among all citizens.<\/p>\n
Q: What do you think is the first step that Indonesians should
\ntake in the wake of such big problems?<\/p>\n
A: We should first be honest with ourselves and reflect. And take
\nsteps that are in accordance with what it is we obtain in our
\nreflection. This applies to everybody, those leading the nation
\nand the community in general. (swe)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/smooth-transfer-of-leadership-needed-gus-dur-1447893297",
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"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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