Accuracy, a lesson we could learn from Germany

Accuracy, a lesson we could learn from Germany

Kurniawan Hari
The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Grundlich keil -- meaning accuracy or detail -- is a phrase
that best describes the Germans, according to Wardiman
Djojonegoro, the German-trained former education minister.

"Germans always calculate everything down to the details.
That's what differs them from us," he told The Jakarta Post
recently.

Aside from accuracy, Wardiman said, Germans are also known for
their work spirit.

"That's why Germany was able to grow into a developed country
only 20 years after its defeat in World War II," he said.

Wardiman, now a member of the Association of German Alumni
(PAJ), lived in Aachen, Germany, for some years while studying
ship construction before taking his ministerial post.

For Ivan A. Hadar, another PAJ member, Germany is more than a
great place to study; it is also a place to immerse yourself in
culture, being home to number of eminent philosophers and
musicians.

"When I was about to depart for Germany to study years ago, I
only thought that I had to get knowledge and bring it home," said
Ivan, who is now director of the International NGO Forum on
Indonesian Development.

In total, Ivan spent about 15 years in Germany earning a
master's in urban planning and a doctorate in education and
sociology.

Ivan believes one important thing Indonesia could learn from
Germany is its adoption of the welfare state, where the
government provides citizens with free public services.

The government of Germany, for example, provides free
education and insurance to citizens.

Wardiman agreed with Ivan, but only for education. "We have to
make education -- basic education especially -- our priority."

However, when he was education minister under president
Soeharto, Wardiman was unable to introduce free education for
everyone in Indonesia.

While it may not have resulted in sweeping changes here, the
Association of German Alumni has helped to establish closer links
between Indonesia and Germany.

These ties enjoyed a real boost when the German-trained B.J.
Habibie was appointed state minister for research and technology
in 1978. Habibie went on to become vice president and then in
1998 president, replacing Soeharto.

Under Habibie, PAJ received special treatment, including funds
from the government to finance its activities.

"At that time, (the association) received funds to finance its
activities. However, this arrangement was criticized by the
alumni," Ivan said.

There are no longer any disputes about its funding, and the
members of the Association of German Alumni are working hard to
make Indonesia a better country, no strings attached.