Diversity as an asset

Diversity as an asset

During earlier times the main challenge facing developing
countries was to evict the colonial powers. In the 21st century,
Minister Siswono Yudohusodo said, the challenge that confronts
these nations will be to bring prosperity to their respective
peoples "in order that they may stand on a par with other
countries rather than be reduced to second-rate nations". The
nature of the competition among nations has shifted from one
marked by the use of "hard" power to "soft" power, such as
economic and cultural clout.

In such a sphere of competition discipline alone will not be
enough. What will be needed is not merely valor and loyalty to
shared wider interests but rather a capability to come up with
new creations. This means that in realizing the principle of
unity in diversity, Indonesia should shift the emphasis from the
aspect of unity to that of diversity. Our diversity should be
recognized as a strength rather than as a threat.

Naturally bringing about such a shift should be done with
care. If done in an uncontrolled manner, fragmentation might
occur. The break-up of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union and
Czechoslovakia could be taken as an example. It is in this
context that we support the President's statement on Sunday that
"what we must all guard against are things running out of
control".

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta