Modernization is not westernization

Modernization is not westernization

Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said recently
that modernization is not westernization. He said we live in an
era where everyone is racing toward progress based on
intelligence, productivity, efficiency and time consciousness.

We share the minister's view. This is a serious matter because
the common perception is that modernization is equal to a total
imitation of everything western, encompassing all spheres from
life styles to politics and economics.

Seen from the socio-economic point of view, for example, our
society now is marked by hedonism, materialism, violence and
exclusivity. It is as if we have become a carbon copy of the
worst of the West. In the political sphere, political openness
has come to be regarded as transparency based on antagonistic
dynamism.

While riding the waves of high economic growth and
globalization, it is urgent that the misunderstandings of
concepts be remedied.

Self-identity could be preserved amid the information
explosion as the case of Japan has shown.

It is important to remember that a nation can make strides
forward without having to imitate anything western.

-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta