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