The environment's impact on our future
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