NGOs as partners

NGOs as partners

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often seen as
troublemakers. We feel fortunate that the Coordinating Minister
for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman thinks
differently. He explained that there are at present about 8,000
NGOs in Indonesia and that out of that number only 32 have
problems.

The growth in the number of NGOs should indeed be viewed
positively and taken as an indication of growing public
participation in the affairs of our nation. For this reason it is
to be hoped that the government adopts a policy which places
emphasis on turning NGOs into partners in development, rather
than view them as potential threats and inhibit them.

The intention of the National Development Planning Board
(Bappenas) to hold talks with NGOs to draft its development plans
is a laudable initial step. We hope this initial step will not
prove to be also the last. On the contrary, we hope it will
signal the germination of a true partnership.

This is not a hope expressed without basis. As we see it, the
increasing role which our private sector is now playing in our
national economy will surely have certain negative impacts which
must be anticipated. The government's intention to eventually
rely on the (generally profit-motivated) private sector to
shoulder 75 percent of investments will mean a decreased
government role in various sectors, including those serving the
public interest. As a consequence the role of society --
represented in this case by NGOs -- must be stepped up.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta