De-westernization?
De-westernization?
Interestingly enough, in response to the feature on global de- westernization by Herbert Kremp (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 2, 1996), Ingrid Cosijn-Mitrasing of Palembang dismissed the omen of de- westernization because it has not advanced to the crucial extent signaled by the feature writer. Herbert Kremp observes that the world is being de-westernized. The shift of vitality and nobility from the West to the East causes Kremp to agree with historian Paul Kennedy's perception that the 21st century will be the most dangerous in the planet's history. Given the scanty premise, the conclusion sounds rather farfetched.
Although the title of Kremp's article was cast in the form of a query, his conclusion was clearly in the affirmative.
No wonder it drew a crisp reaction from Ingrid Cosijn- Mitrasing (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 19, 1996).
However, my comment differs distinctly from the counter argument cited above. In my view, the notion of global de- westernization sounds utterly out of place, as contemporary needs obviously call for a global economic network in which relationships between nations hinge on interdependence and mutual co-existence, or soogo-ison as the Japanese call it. This concept was expounded by Kenichi Ohmae in his book Borderless World (1991).
In my view, when de-colonization has been accomplished, the notion of de-westernization will be superfluous. The concept is delusive, inasmuch as it clearly rests on the premise that western civilization and culture dominate the world.
The nation that is successful in eradicating colonial subjugation in the political sphere will ably decide its course of action to consummate its national identity.
But Western civilization and culture are phenomena that cannot be abolished offhand. This is true in any branch of science and technology.
In the field of law, for instance, the great minds of the West have outlived the turbulence of history. It's amazing that after 50 years of independence, the 19th century Civil Procedures, Commercial Codes (except for Company law) and Criminal Codes that originated from the Napoleonic codes remain in force today in Indonesia.
Turning to the necessities of daily life, one cannot disregard the foreign transportation, housing and entertainment comforts that are in vogue today.
The notion of de-westernization, more so that of "anti- westernism", is senseless when it is acknowledged that the emulated features and actions of foreign origin on television are accepted wholesale by Indonesian viewers.
Given such circumstances, censoring western influences should be confined to specific areas.
Particularly in the field of law, Western conceptions may still have relevance, as witnessed by the effective banking, insurance and stock market laws. Some need review, like laws governing the judiciary, with special reference to the administration of justice by the Supreme Court which draws strong criticism from the public.
SAM SUHAEDI
Jakarta