Big and Small

Big and Small

There has recently been some debate about the role of
monopolies in the Indonesian economy, but perhaps an exchange of
views on the often held Indonesian view that "big is best" would
help to put things in perspective.

Big companies, big bosses, big countries, big money and big
schools are all admired here by the superficial virtue of size
alone. In my view it is this simplistic approach, rather than the
invasion of western cultural values, which erodes our culture and
society. Our addiction to bigness, our societal megalomania, is
what needs to be kept in check if rapid economic development is
to leave us with a healthy society in which individuals can
realize their full personal potential and have their value as
people confirmed. A sign of a successful country is not just the
size of its Gross Domestic Product, which in any case is far from
being an objective economic yardstick, but also the demonstrable
value that is attached to each individual in society.

We should, for instance, be aware that excessive admiration
for VIPs can in fact detract from fair treatment and respect for
all. Why is it, for example, that when "C" passes this way the
area is feudalistically tidied especially for this modern-day
lord of the manor? Even banners paid for and displayed by small
organizations and businesses seeking custom in accordance with
the regulations are unilaterally removed by Bintaro's security
guards, so that only those relating to Sekolah Global Jaya
remain. Few complain and many cower, convinced that confronting
the big could be counterproductive. If this society is to thrive,
respect for the small must be nurtured. For the "small" are the
seeds of the future and the "big" would do well to appreciate
this.

SHERISADA MANAF

Director, Bintaro

International Pre-School

Jakarta