The environment's impact on our future

The signals are becoming increasingly clear that Jakarta and its surrounding areas are no longer capable of supporting the growing populace. An imbalance has developed between the area's population size and the available infrastructure and the unfortunate fact is that no comprehensive solution has ever been found that can fundamentally alter the situation.

Unhealthy and disagreeable environmental conditions, pollution and the decline of tolerance among people are factors that will affect the quality of our generation of people who have a role to play in the future. It is difficult under such conditions to expect our youngsters to grow up and become people of quality, capable of facing the competitive atmosphere of the coming millennium.

Lately, we have also witnessed a gradual decline in our traditional community values. The old community spirit is fading. Every individual is busy chasing his or her own targets with no consideration for other people's interests. Murders are part of our daily newspaper fare. Another example that may seem insignificant is the unwillingness of motorists on the road to give way to others. But if even in such trivial matters our sense of consideration for others is lacking, how could we possibly be expected to share in another person's grief or misfortune.

The imbalance between our environment and the size of our population has far-reaching consequences. This is all the more true as we await the dawning of the 21st century, when national boundaries are bound to become obscure and the flow information, trade and travel occur with extraordinary speed.

To effectively anticipate those conditions, quality human resources are needed. Clear-cut standards have so far never been formulated. However, judging by the progress that has been made by the newly-industrialized countries, a good working ethos, perseverance, thriftiness, respect for higher education and a frugal lifestyle are the qualities that are needed.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta