Letter: Turning to knowledge-based economy

Thu, 07/03/2008 10:38 AM  |  Reader's Forum

Indonesian youths are winning international competitions such as science, physics and mathematics Olympiads. Yet in the 21st century Indonesia sadly remains dependent on its natural resources rather than moving ahead to a knowledge-based economy.

With no brighter promises and/or future, some of those bright minds unfortunately will end up working for companies.

With the rising significance of intellectual property rights, where patented ideas and innovations command more value in today's age, Indonesia stands to lose even more.

From a policy perspective, Indonesia should take a cue from foreign governments such as Brazil where the government recognizes the growing importance of the software industry, and more importantly the role of the open-source movement within it.

Through open source, Indonesia stands a better chance to build its own software capabilities, take concrete steps toward a knowledge-based economy and play catch-up with neighboring countries such as Singapore.

Indonesia's political leaders have to realize some day, hopefully soon, that fame, power and money are fleeting. 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.

WAYNE WIRA
Jakarta

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