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SBY: Indonesian President and world citizen
Anand Krishna , Jakarta | Thu, 10/22/2009 12:06 PM | Opinion
How does President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono evaluate his five years in office? His speech at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, on Sept. 30 is a brief commentary of his own performance.
Among others he said: "I find it interesting that I did not end-up working for people who went to Harvard; it's actually people who went to Harvard who ended up working for me!" These words did not reflect his conscience; they reflected the conscience of an arrogant speech writer.
Speaking about President Obama and himself he said: "Our objective is the same: To take a hard look at relations between the West and the Islamic worlds, and to chart a new course forward." Why only the West and the Islamic worlds? What is the Islamic world? Is there such an entity as a homogenous Islamic world? Is Indonesia part of this Islamic world?
"We have instead fortified our national identity through three successful, peaceful national elections," said Yudhoyono, but I tend to agree more with President Obama that successful national elections alone are not the yardstick of democracy - it is the aftermath that is important.
"Today we are not paralyzed by the financial crisis, but are forging ahead with sweeping reforms of our financial and industrial structure," he said.
But at what cost? At the cost of "selling" our assets and allowing large corporations to exploit our natural resources for their benefit? Or, by keeping our eyes closed toward our so-called national entrepreneurs who are acting as their agents?
"We overcame ethnic and religious conflicts," continued Yudhoyono. Sorry, but no. There are detailed reports prepared by the Setara Institute, Gadjah Mada University and other universities that detail otherwise.
"I am aware of a traumatic collective memory that is not easy to erase when dealing with matters of faith." I beg to remind Your Excellency that these are not our national collective memories, but those of the peoples of the Middle East.
"Perhaps we will even see the emergence of a *global civilization.'" Yes, and Indonesia can contribute towards this, if only we feel national, think international, and keep our religious affiliation to ourselves.
"Democracy has gained immense ground, spreading in the Islamic world, including in Indonesia." Once again, Mr. President, the phrase "Islamic World" must be shunned. We are one family - the family of humankind.
The President then outlined nine imperatives to achieving "harmony among civilizations".
On the lighter side, what you consider as a "lucky number" is actually the number of eternity. Multiply nine with any number, how many digits, and sum them up - go on summing them until you arrive at one single digit.
It will be nine. It is the number of God. Sir, you were born on the 9th day of God, not of any particular religion.
Different religions are pathways leading to one and the same God. Something to meditate on!
"The first imperative is to make the 21st century the century of soft power. I believe the clash of civilizations is actually a clash of ignorance," SBY told the Harvard auditorium. Couldn't agree with him more, hence no more divisions based on religion. Let us keep the world as it is: one world.
On pursuing "a new approach, one defined by goodwill and trust-building," for Aceh, well, we have divided our country into two societies adhering to different sets of law.
We should have learnt from Malaysia, before planting this time bomb. In this, however, the President is not the only one to blame.
"The second imperative is to intensify the process of dialogue and outreach... Recently, Saudi Arabia convened the Interfaith Conference at the UN," continued SBY. I agree with what you say, but not with the example cited. Saudi has to convene such a conference at home, not outside.
"The third imperative is the need to find a solution to burning poli-tical conflicts.. Muslims must be able to differentiate between a conflict involving Muslims, and a *war against Islam'" - Kudos, very well said!
"Today, racism is in serious decline. interracial marriages are common, and the market place picks talents without regard for color, religion or ethnicity," - sorry to say this Mr. President, this is not yet happening in our country. I believe you mean business. Do kindly ensure that our marriage and other acts, and the regional bylaws are immediately reversed to comply with our Constitution, and in line with what you say.
"The fourth imperative is to strengthen the voice of moderation in our communities. The moderates should no longer be a silent majority." Yes, kindly make sure that those who speak out no longer get beaten by a bunch of hooligans using religion as their shield.
"The fifth imperative is multiculturalism and tolerance.. Tolerance means a full respect for others" - for almost two decades I have been working on this agenda of "mutual appreciation".
"The sixth imperative is to make globalization work for all" - Godspeed, let history remember you as a world citizen.
On the UN Security Council Yudhoyono said, "today *the UN Security Council* still reflects the power balance of 1945 rather than 2009, with exclusive veto powers reserved". Good, let us work together to ensure that this is rectified.
"Imperative number eight is education. In Indonesia, elementary students are taught about respecting religious traditions." Once, Mr. President, our children were taught budi-pekerti; universal religious/human values. Not now, when they are separated during the class on religion, thereby highlighting the differences among them. This is urgent and imperative, and needs to be corrected immediately.
"Finally, the ninth imperative... A *global conscience'.. we can *reinvent a new world'." Certainly Sir.
Let us work together to realize our founding fathers' collective dream of "building the world anew".
"This can be an amazing century where hope prevails over fear," - Yes I agree, but only if we listen to our own conscience, are focused, and are not distracted by ambitious agendas of our power hungry opportunist "friends".
They are already projecting you as the next UN Secretary-General. First things first Mr. President. I love you abundantly, and I want you to succeed in your endeavors, hence these notes.
The writer is spiritual activist.
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Mat (not verified), Jakarta — Thu, 10/29/2009 - 9:40pm
Mr. President had proclaimed during the september 22 2009 ramadhan on radio to celebrate the winning of islamic civilization. we need to shun the world of islamic civilization from public speech. I agree with the writer that indonesia today is a nation as one goverment to protect any honest and good citizen without regards of their religion. If we prefer one religion offer other religion to govern our country then we practice favoritism and our government favor certain group of people. It is not the duty of goverment.Pena Budaya (not verified), Rotterdam — Tue, 10/27/2009 - 6:52pm
Well written article, Mr. Anand! I would like to respond on para. 10, that in this global world, no matter what we wish to have one family with similarity, there is always differences and we can't just help ourselves to notice it. Humankind itself derives from many sub cultures, race, religions, gender, age, etc. Therefore I do understand SBY choice in choosing "Islamic world" word, however, I do have disagreement that democracy has taken place in Islamic world in general. My fave line is SBY statement on UN Security Council and your comment on para. 24. If United Nations would like to take its reformation seriously, they should start to reform its exclusive power veto of these five permanent state members.MerayFadly (not verified), Jakarta Timur — Mon, 10/26/2009 - 7:36pm
Critics are always useful. Wise people always ask inputs and critics for continuous improvement. I really hope that our Dear President will be able to receive critics positively and develop himself as the best model to be followed by us. I believe that Pak President SBY is the best person in his post right now, with more than 50% confirmed on it. Thanks to this article that has provided a Balancing Commentary to help our Dear President in developing his personality, his leadership and managerial, and as a role model in our efforts to CHANGE FOR A BETTER LIFE. Lets do more for Indonesia!Wid (not verified), Klungkung — Mon, 10/26/2009 - 11:24am
Can't agree more with you when you said that we need to see things as they are than merely do positive thinking. Great article and hope our majesty, Pak SBY, read it. Thank you.J. Coburn (not verified), Queens, NY — Mon, 10/26/2009 - 10:08am
Finally, there is still a sane person like Mr. Anand Krishna in Indonesia, especially to comment on their president's speech in Harvard. Because, (1) where were the tolerance of religious traditions that the president had mentioned since their own education laws actually separated the children because of their religion? (2)And, the interracial marriages in Indonesia maybe are already common but what about inter-religion marriages? (3)Also, Overcoming ethnic and religious conflicts? When the number of pray houses wrecked is rising? Please, God helps Indonesia.Daniel Emerson (not verified), Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. — Sat, 10/24/2009 - 9:12pm
Bravo! Well said Pak Anand.. Yes, it is One World, it is not Islamic World or other religious world. The beautiful country I knew has changed to become a part of so called the Islamic World. Where is the "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" spirit? has it gone away? We all must respect each other faiths, believes, cultures, backgrounds and political leaning and make them work for the good of the people.A fool (not verified), Jakarta — Fri, 10/23/2009 - 7:01pm
2 thumbs up for this article. Listen and follow Mr.Anand Krishna's advices Mr. President, you will be able to lead Indonesia to its greatness. Hope Jakarta Post will post more of Mr. Anand Krishna's articles.Djaka (not verified), yogya — Fri, 10/23/2009 - 5:10pm
Why did I have impression, that the "Harvard thing" SBY mentioned is a joke ? I find it neither arrogant nor serious. I even felt irony in that, like when you hear about "Obama will refuse the job as Indonesia's president even when his salary doubled or tripled because of its people's attitude." I wont take SBY's line seriously.Fitriani (not verified), Depok — Fri, 10/23/2009 - 11:41am
i am psychologiest, when i read this article 'bout SBY's speech in harvard, i wonder if he maybe have split personality disorder, in one words he said world civilization, but in another speech, he said islam world.helloooowww....dont u realize that u said 2 different things in the same time. U counter argue ur statement by urself mr president. world civilization not only means islam world, but hindu, christian, buddhis, kong hu cu, zoroazter, and also atheist world. Lot of thanks to JP and Anand Krishna for the great article. and can't more agree with rene that only the true friend can tell ur fault so we'll not facing failure by our mistakes. and also, the trully spiritualist is not the man who hide in the forest, but he/she whose playing the life in the "marketlife".Wintolo (not verified), Jakarta Selatan — Fri, 10/23/2009 - 10:45am
Very brave and bold opinion. May Mr. Elected President listen to his own conscience, not voice from around bringing their own self party's interest. Not national's priority interest. Bravo Mr. President, do the best for this country, not just for Islamic world.