By: Norman Triangga *)
Jakarta, CIDISS – Resurrection or economic progress of a nation cannot be separated from their spirit of nationalism-patriotism. Economic revival some countries that formerly categorized as a developing country and including in the category as new economic powers of the world, such as India, China, South Korea, Venezuela, Argentina, Iran and many developing countries of others. They can be separated from the struggle to restructure and internal revitalize their country that always puts motto for the sake of national interest “Nationalism”.
Unfortunately, after seven decades of independence, the spirit of nationalism is almost fading, particularly among young people and a handful of young economists Indonesia. Even sometimes we hear a number of young economists who boasted a libertarian who proclaim belief in “The Borderless World”.
The issues underlying this nation should find a solution soon. Therefore, we already facing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Without nationalism, MEA could be a threat to Indonesia’s economy.
Actually, Bung Karno, the proclaimer and the first president of Indonesia, far-away days have given the socio-ideological guide for our national development. Bung Karno Socio-ideological conception version is Trisakti, namely the independent in politics, self-sufficient in the field of economics, and personality in the field of culture. This is a true conception touching the innermost side of Indonesian nationalism.
Along with the times, nationalism is not the key to maintaining the integrity of the Republic, but also became the foundation for economic development, especially in MEA. Remember, Indonesia has a population of the 4th largest in the world. Ideally the number of residents in Indonesia should be able to become a strong competitor in the face of MEA compared to Malaysia and Thailand. Why? Because the Indonesian nation is arguably the nation’s consumptive, where local produce is far less to compete with imported products. Therefore, we should continue to inflame national pride (the spirit of the nation) in the face of MEA, including through the use of domestic products.
It be the glory of its own when in full awareness we want to use products of their own country. Besides the most obvious reflection of nationalism, the use of domestic products as well as a respect to our implementation on ideals, sense, and intention children their own country. Thus, we don’t need no longer fear that our nation will be porters in our country.
Beginning from a high sense of nationalism, although Indonesia consists of various ethnicities, customs and religion, the awareness of using domestic products is the starting base of the success of Indonesian in economic development. They all die on the goodwill of all Indonesian to become into a great nation. [NT]
*) CIDISS Contributor
