A new format for a new era

Because the general election will be held in May, this year has been labeled a year of politics. This is quite natural, since experience shows that political activities tend to increase in years in which general elections are held. This political activity expresses itself in a variety of ways and spheres, including those that encourage political thinking. Both to educate the public and to popularize Indonesia's own political concepts, and as a response to the various political thoughts that have arisen in our society, many government officials have offered their views on those developments. In all these arguments, there is one pattern that can be used as a common point of departure -- that of development, and in particular the fact that development generates both growth and change.

It does indeed take a good measure of intelligence and statesmanship to be able, each time, to arrive at a better equilibrium in order to accommodate the demands made by progress and change. Actually, the exchange of views and comments that are taking place -- among others through the media -- are not designed to sow confusion or to increase it, but rather to help us find that higher point of equilibrium. This is the process of finding and shaping a political format that is adaptive, innovative and creative -- the process of revitalization.

A possible problem is the fact that community life, endowed as it is with political dimensions, is driven not only by shared objectives and considerations which are lofty in nature, but also by political processes, which are by their very nature imbued or even characterized by the application of power and force and tend to be motivated by considerations and interests that are subjective in nature.

Thus we can understand why control and reform are necessary. This is a consequence of acknowledging that we are not angels, but human beings who, even when driven by the best of intentions and motivations, can be wrong, ignorant and make mistakes. A critical mind that is at the same time constructive and branches away from shared principles, directives and objectives, is increasingly needed in order to freshen not only our political format, but also our economic and other formats. How to make sure that this dialog, this exchange of arguments and this general process of communication does not create undesirable side effects and will not be misconstrued, this is the homework we have to do.

-- Kompas, Jakarta