Inviting public debate

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