By: Norman Triangga *)
Jakarta, CIDISS – Poverty, unemployment, and the character of the crisis became worse ornaments that characterize the current national economy. Praise as a country with abundant natural resources was limited chatter in the media and discussions, but it did not bring a positive impact to the Indonesian economy. What is wrong?
The World Bank noted since 2014 Indonesia has entered the top 10 economies of the world, much earlier than the government forecast that predicts the new SBY occurred in 2025. Macroeconomic management is quite successful in the midst of the global crisis of 2008. During 2008-2013, the economy grew an average of 5, 85%. However, at the same time widening inequality. The poverty rate is still higher by 28.95 million people as of March 2015, or increased by 860,000 people compared with the condition of September 2014 amounted to 27.73 million people. The unemployment rate is still high of 7.56 million people.
Certainly the country is no silent respond to these issues. Since the reform era of the presidents we have to revamp that are institutional, either by an amendment to the 1945 Constitution, the establishment of legislation related to the economy, establish a number of institutions in the field of economics (eg Council of Energy, Food Security Agency, including the Commission), to implement regional autonomy, grants the village, even today the President Jokowi issued a “magic card” all intended for the improvement of the state economy. However, the reforms, which only touch the institutional factors states, will not be enough to solve the economic problems of this nation. Therefore improving the quality of human resources becomes one of the important agenda that we must address.
Mental changes that result in a life of independence, think democratic and scientific, hard-working, not corrupt, unpatriotic, mutual help, love the people and the nation itself because it is no longer working for the master unfamiliar, will ensure economic development carried out with enthusiasm and solidarity. Corruption was away working in a variety of economic development. Economic welfare was no longer a dream. If there is any trouble, will be borne together and look for solutions together. If the government is busy with physical development, then it is time we as a people supported at least by our mental construct.
Indonesia’s economic development is now like a fortress built with magnificent to be a solid defensive wall of the enemy’s attack, but managed to penetrate because one of the guards taking bribes. Likewise this nation, which has long been trying to do economic development in a national vision, which creates Indonesian sovereign, just and prosperous. But will continue to be miserable if weak in mental development. Therefore mental revolution becomes an important aspect in the development of the nation. This is where the relevance of mental revolution with economic development, as echoed President Joko Widodo. To build a nation’s economy, needed human resources that have the mental spirit of mutual cooperation, integrity, morality, and a strong national character. Mental revolution is not an option, but a necessity, so that our nation can stand in line with other nations in the world. We can make Indonesia be better to start from yourself Mental Revolution that began today. [NT]
*) Jakarta Contributor