Small thought in time of crisis
Small thought in time of crisis
Indonesians can witness the real composition of the seventh
cabinet that was announced by the President on March 14. Whoever
is assigned to fill in a ministerial post does not really matter
very much as long as he or she is committed to working for
immediate improvement of the ailing economy. The silent majority
is hoping for a better and more comprehensible condition, as well
as a more reliable future. Because if we do not prepare the right
condiments conducive to a continual favorable economic growth,
future generations will suffer a great deal.
The President and his cabinet seem to be facing tough times.
Problems to be dealt with include unaffordable basic commodities,
a weakening purchasing power among the low-income class, growing
unemployment and a projected negative economic growth.
People from all walks of life are aware of the reality of the
situation, but few are willing to prescribe an effective cure for
the country's ailment.
The current crisis might have been caused by mistakes in
formulating economic policies. Without finding a scapegoat for
this undesired condition, we should be ready and willing to take
corrective steps toward a more solid monetary and economic
management and consistent application of rules and regulations. A
clear mind and sincere heart will not fail to pinpoint the errors
which have caused the economic problems.
Although people hold on the adage to err is human, to forgive
is divine, to err consciously and intentionally is, to my mind,
beastly. In this light we should contemplate the meaning and
responsibility of citizenship.
We are all part of the country's vast human resources, known
in Indonesia sumber daya manusia (SDM). Prudent human resource
management should include the practice of what I visualize as
menilai diri sendiri (MDS) -- to self-assess one's own
performance. Rather than finding faults with others, people
should try to find fault with themselves. Honest self-assessment,
combined with care and concern for others, would lead us on to a
popular path and provide a strong foundation for just and
equitable socioeconomic growth.
Whether we are conscious of it or not, we have dozens of fine
expressions which have deep philosophical implications. These
should serve as strong guidance for us to lead our lives within
the framework of a society which has a plural nature. To pick
just one, do unto others as you would wish others to do unto you.
This can, perhaps, be more explicitly rephrased: "have due
concerns for others' rights and interests, instead of only
forcing your own concepts on others; to hurt somebody would have
a boomerang effect towards yourself."
As a small element in a large and colorful community, the
above piece of philosophy, unimportant as it may sound, when
applied, would help keep good order and harmony in our
multifaceted society.
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