In the past nine years Indonesia’s economy had been rapidly growing. A
condition as such had given strength to Indonesia toward becoming a strong
emerging economy respected by all nations of the world. It was not impossible
that Indonesia had changed from the position of regional power in Southeast
Asia into a global power in 2025.
To some editors of the press in the journey from Budapest to Jakarta
sometimes ago, President SBY stated that now Indonesia had become a regional
power and global player. The position of global power could be attained by
Indonesia in 2025 at the latest in 2045. For that matter the President reminded
to maintain security and political stability so this 240 million population
country would not lose the momentum of growth.
The President’s statement was not a groundless statement. Recently there
was a growing interest among foreign investors to invest in Indonesia. The
trend was triggered by data of Indonesia’s growing economy. The average growth
of Indonesia’s economy over the period of 2010 – 2014 was 6.3% to 6.8%.
Some analyst and economists predicted that high and sustainable economic
growth would uplift Indonesia to be in Top Ten position among successful
economic states by 2025. Indonesia could even be in top six positions as a
stage of economic power by 2050. Last year Morgan Stanley predicted Indonesia as
candidate of world’s economic power. They proposed Indonesia to be included in
BRIS, the abbreviation of four of the world’s emerging economy. BRIC consisted
of Brazil, Russia, India, and China; this term was made popular by Goldman Sach
Group in 2001.
Morgan Stanley proposed BRIC to be BRICI with additional “I” letter
which stands for Indonesia. The reason to include Indonesia was because the
investment agency predicted Indonesia’s GDP would come to USD 800 billion in
the next 5 years.
Beyond the economic aspect, i.e. defense, Indonesia under the governance
of President SBY was determined to display their competence in arms industry
[alutista], not just in terms of number and quality. Indonesia was determined
to be producer of arms not to be under-estimated. The effort was continuously
exercised by increasing budget for defense. In 2009, Indonesia’s defense budget
was posted at Rp33.67 trillion which continuously increased and in 2012 it came
to 72.54 trillion; in 2013 it would come to Rp77 trillion. It turned out that
power in armaments contributed significantly to economic growth.
The ever strengthened security and defense of the nation could help to
create healthy business atmosphere and serve as stimulus to inflowing foreign
investment. Besides, by developing armament industry, it would mean extra
income for the state. As noted Indonesia had started to be engaged in long term
collaboration with some countries.
Stated Owned Companies [BUMN] like PT PAL, PT Pindad, PT Dirgantara
Indonesia were showing their growing performance. PT Pindad for example, was
stormed by order from Malaysia who ordered Anoa panzers. Moreover the guns made
by PT Pindad has been tested of their quality by being used by champions of
shooting competitions.
Based on the above fact it seemed that Indonesia’s ambition to be a
global economic power by 2025 would not be hard to achieve. However, I was only
possible if all of the people’s elements especially the political elite shared
the same vision, i.e. agree to make Indonesia a great nation. All of the
political elites must unite in one to prove to the people that they shared the
same dream to build a nation of dignity.
The political elite must strive shoulder to shoulder with no underlying
personal or group’s interest to overcome national problems. President SBY’s
proposition that at every end of office transfer of authority from the retired
to the successor was worth considering. The hand-shake between ex-President and
President in the ceremony would show to the people that there was no “political
grudge” among political elites. Under such circumstance the people would be
inspired to work hand in hand to build the nation although they were not of the
same party or group.
Peace within the context of favorable investment climate was needed in
Indonesia. The issues around coup d’etat should be well controlled because
issues as such remained to be countering productive which would even disturb
the investment climate which was now at its best. The issue was no good for
investment climate and was something unpleasant to investor. Therefore those
who claimed to be part of the political elite or public figures better show
their hospitable and peaceful attitude. It was not advisable to spread a harsh
and provocative word which was not beneficial to the nation.
Even if they had dislike for the present Government, they had to show
some respect. Like it or not, the present government was able to show good
performance in favorable economic atmosphere. So to give some appreciation and
respect to the Government and their achievements would not lower their dignity.
To compare Indonesia with a glass of wine which was half filled and half
empty, never look at the empty part to judge the country. Such was unfair, and
not objective. So the public was expected to be sportive in acknowledging all
the progress made.
Again in economic achievement, beside the constant growth of around 6%
per annum, there had also been progress in other aspects of economy, such as
fast flowing investments, emerging middle class which were now posted at around
60 million people which were equal to 5 times of Singapore’s population of 5.5
million people. They were Indonesia’s propellers of growth in the future. With
high income level, they were the main consumers of local commodities produced
in Indonesia.
Indonesia’s progress was now widely acclaimed internationally.
Indonesia’s entry into the G-20 group was not the result of begging by
Indonesia leaders. International acknowledgement of Indonesia’s advancements
was also reflected in some appraisals by International Rating Agencies who
awarded the little of Investment Grade to Indonesia. But then if the
international world acknowledged Indonesia’s success, why some local elements
of the nation did closed their eyes to the achievements?
In the future, with the ever
advancing democracy, Indonesia’s economy would continue to progress. If there
was anyone who predicted that Indonesia would become economic titan in 2030, it
was not a bubble of fancy. Endowed with an area so expansive and fertile, and
abundant natural resources, and fourth biggest population in the world, the
dream of becoming economic titan was not merely an imagination, provided that
all parties safeguard the golden momentum today; all of the ambition called for
unity and solidarity among all of the elements of the nation. (SS)
Business News - April 03,2013
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