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