Vision needed

Vision needed

The progress we have achieved -- as measured by income per capita, the export-import balance, the state of our technology and industry -- is not yet on par with that achieved by other countries, even in the Southeast Asian region.

Even though our population and national territory are far larger, we find ourselves swept away in a maelstrom of profound changes and conditions of a different character.

We find ourselves engulfed in a tide of global changes and all that comes with it. In addition we are faced with a changing population structure with a growing number of young people.

We are being confronted by changes, which are taking place at a time when different ways of thinking meet, compete and work together.

Because of these prevailing conditions we agree with the statement made by the former HMI (Islamic Student Association) leader Mar'ie Mohammad that we once again need leaders with vision. Such leaders are needed as we enter the era of change and multi-dimensional globalization.

-- Kompas, Jakarta