Juwono optimistic about Indonesia's survival

Juwono optimistic about Indonesia's survival

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Juwono
Sudarsono expressed optimism that Indonesia would emerge from the
crisis, which many have said is threatening national unity,
Antara reported on Thursday.

"I am sure the nation will survive the crisis. Insya Allah
(God willing), within 18 to 24 months we will see signs of
economic recovery and social conflicts will gradually reduce,"
the minister said.

Juwono, also a professor of political science, was commenting
at the opening of a cultural dialog organized by the House
Commission VII for education and religion.

The one-day talks also featured prominent businessman and
artist Setiawan Djody, who distributed his new book, Revolusi
Kebudayaan (Cultural Revolution).

The minister said Indonesia would soon become "a new society",
a prospect the country has moved toward ever since resistance to
colonial rule began 70 years ago.

Juwono emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, saying
development needed to be sensitive to local cultures within the
country. "Despite poverty, Indonesian culture is not poor."

He said unrest in areas such as Aceh and Irian Jaya was
largely a result of mismanagement of natural resources. Antara
news agency has reported the involvement of large mining
companies in the provinces.

While some cultural analysts have urged "filtering" influences
from outside cultures, Juwono said there should be a "continuous
synthesis between local and global cultures".

Juwono commented on the new media freedom, adding citizens
should access the various international media. He said the media
required clear guidelines.

Welcoming media freedom and embracing media restrictions was a
"paradox", but necessary for the nation's own good, he said.

Media representatives are currently proposing a media bill to
the House of Representatives. (rms)