Inviting public debate

The chairman of the national development planning board (Bappenas) has invited a number of experts from various disciplines -- mostly economists -- to provide input on the desired role and format of our national planning efforts in the face of developments both domestically and abroad.

He mentioned the proportion and the role of the government and the private sector in the economy. In the past, about 75 percent of the burden of financing economic activity was borne by the government; at present it is the private sector which bears 75 percent of the costs.

In other words the volume of economic activity is borne largely by sources outside the government budget. The economic activity is beyond the reach of the state budget. In such changed conditions, including the effects of globalization, what should the role and formal of the national planning agency be?

The formulation of public policy, including the deliberations, has been done through agencies prescribed by the Constitution. This forum is now to be expanded to directly involve sources of reasoning that exist in our community.

This procedure could give substance to the principles of participation and responsibility because the community is involved and people are invited to think critically and positively so that no details are overlooked.

If this procedure could be extended it could help give substance to the process of democratization. Naturally, differences of opinion would arise, but a spirit of dialog and commitment to a common goal would prevail. All that would be part of the natural process of forging a culture of democracy and building an infrastructure for democracy.

-- Kompas, Jakarta