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