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Letter: On Bill Gates' recent visit
Tue, 05/27/2008 3:16 PM | Reader's Forum
Thank you, The Jakarta Post, for your coverage of Bill Gates' recent trip to Jakarta. I don't think, however, that Bill Gates made clear the exact relationship between "greater technology" and the success of Indonesia, or other developing countries, for that matter.
Instead, I believe the swift eradication of corruption throughout Indonesia and the developing world would bring much faster, better and longer-lasting results.
Also, I didn't see any mention of the downside of technology and its impact on things like family or culture.
One of the great lessons of the past few decades vis-a-vis the West offering assistance to developing countries, especially India and Africa, is that technology, when introduced from an alien environment, must be "appropriate" for the new host environment so as not to -- paradoxically -- cause any new problems. (Doctors do tests to make sure there is an organ "match" before the transplant takes place.)
One example of this phenomenon occurred when "labor-saving devices" were introduced into countries with very high unemployment.
Much foreign aid comes in the form of materials produced by foreign companies. The donor government buys these products from its own companies, so there is real benefit for both of these entities. But is the receiving country getting something which is truly useful for its own people and healthy economic development? Who is really benefiting the most here?
I believe many people have good intentions but when you get right down to it, there is more to the giving-receiving process than meets the eye.
This whole process demands regular, ongoing efficiency review so that less is wasted and more, useful, meaningful long-term assistance occurs where it is supposed to.
ANDREW FORSYTHE
Ottawa
Wayne Wira (not verified) — Thu, 06/05/2008 - 2:46am
Your comment about making sure that everyone benefits from any deals, business or otherwise, definitely strikes a strong chord with those of us who believe that Indonesia's future in this Information Age. Unfortunately, like everything else in life, it is easier said than done. Win-win outcome is not exactly or if past history is to give any indications what Microsoft has in mind, in its home base, the United States, or abroad. After the recent deal of Microsoft software' use by the Indonesian government, Microsoft sees Asia in general, and Indonesia in particular for both as the potential market and the rich, and affordable source of information workers.
But enough about Microsoft's intentions, your point about eradicating corruptions is even reaching wider audiences amongst the Indonesian populace who are increasingly marginalized by the government and elite politics who seem to be disconnected with the harsh realities of daily life for the average Indonesian. The government is aware of the rich natural resources that Indonesia is famous for. Unfortunately, what the government has not done enough at least in practical terms is the political, legal, and financial will to mine its human resources. Indonesia youths are winning international competitions such as the Science, Physics, and Mathematics Olympiads. Yet in this 21st century Indonesia sadly remains dependent on its natural resources than moving ahead to knowledged-based economy.
With no brighter promises and/or future, some of those bright minds unfortunately would end up working for companies like Microsoft. With the rising significance of Intellectual Property where patented ideas and innovations command more values in todays age, Indonesia stands to lose even more.
From policy perspective, Indonesia should take a cue from foreign governments such as Brazil where the government recognizes the growing importance of Software Industry, and more importantly the role of Open Source movement within it. Through Open Source, Indonesia stands a better chance to build its own software capabilities, take concrete steps towards the knowledge-based economy, and play catch ups with neighboring countries such as Singapore.
Indonesia elite politics would have to realize some day, I do hopefully soon, that fame,power and money are fleeting concepts. That in the end, what matters 100 years from now is what each of us can do to make lives better, not only for the next generations of Indonesians, but humanity as a whole.