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ndonesian children are taught early about the diversity of their home country. The archipelago is home to countless ethnicities, cultures and languages. The national symbol, the Garuda Pancasila, proudly displays the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika under its wings, affirming that despite our differences we are one. Diversity is seen as one of Indonesia'€™s defining characteristics, a precious heirloom from our rich history of seafaring traders and trailblazing religious missionaries from all corners of the world.

Indeed, Indonesia is frequently cited as a shining example of racial and religious harmony in the world.

However, religious minorities are finding it harder to practice their religions, facing eviction and threats from radical groups. Those adhering to faiths not yet officially recognized by the state are in an even more difficult position. Racial discrimination still exists in many not-so-subtle ways. Sexual orientation and gender expression other than the traditionally prescribed heterosexuality are openly ridiculed.

More and more Indonesians are excluded from living a full life and from contributing to the nation because of discrimination.

A few months ago, when the presidential election campaign was in full swing, then candidate Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo was rumored to be a Christian of Chinese descent. This was patently untrue, but it also implied that being an ethnic Chinese Christian makes an Indonesian citizen unfit to run as president.

Subsequently, after Jokowi'€™s victory in the election, then Jakarta deputy governor Basuki '€œAhok'€ Tjahaja Purnama was slated to become governor. The Islam Defenders Front (FPI), among other intolerant groups, quickly and repeatedly took to the streets, hoping their violence and thinly veiled bigotry could stop Ahok from occupying the position he lawfully deserved.

This worrying phenomenon should force us to re-evaluate our perspective on diversity in Indonesia. Perhaps we have been taking it for granted for too long, perceiving diversity as merely a gift from the past we are lucky to have, but not fundamental to our future.

Or maybe we are stuck in the traditional paradigm of '€œtolerating'€ differences just because the law says so, and stop short of actually '€œembracing'€ diversity and harnessing its positive influences.

Indonesians must wake up to the fact that diversity is a crucial driver of innovation and development in all fields. Those that embrace and nurture diversity, be it within a country or a company, gain a significant edge in this competitive world. Indonesia holds the historical advantage of already having a diverse population, yet we must go the extra mile.

We have to actively take steps to make sure that our diversity stays vibrant and healthy, especially in the face of intolerance, because it is key to a brighter future.

Studies have many times confirmed that embracing diversity leads to better performance outcomes. Countries with a diverse workforce have higher income per capita and do better in various development measures.

Private businesses and organizations are also adopting diversity as a sound strategy to improve capabilities and enhance productivity, an Oxford Economics study reported.

Diversity as a foundation for innovation was also discussed in the October 2014 issue of the Scientific American magazine. Gender and racial diversity in US companies, including at top management levels, increases company value and boosts innovation through research and development.

Another worldwide study found similar benefits from gender diversity in companies. Analysis of 1.5 million scientific papers revealed that papers written by an ethnically diverse team yield a higher impact factor and more citation; the authors'€™ addresses are often very diverse too, reflecting the geographical diversity of the team.

Smaller-scale studies gave clues to how diversity enhances the performance of a group. Being in a diverse group stops us from assuming that everybody holds the same resources and perspective as we do; thus are we more motivated to share with the rest of the group.

Furthermore, receiving information from a person different from us provokes more thought and response, compared with receiving that same information from someone similar to ourselves.

Simply working together in a group of diverse people changes our behavior by encouraging us to work harder, as we anticipate disagreement. For example, a speaker will prepare stronger arguments if he knows that his audience holds opposing views. If compromise is required from a group, diversity helps us consider alternatives views even before negotiation starts.

Gotong royong or cooperation is also popularly cited as Indonesia'€™s defining characteristic. Apparently, we get more out of cooperating with others if those who are involved are heterogeneous.

Working with people different from ourselves can indeed be uncomfortable, but there are ways to cope with the discomfort, which is minor compared with the positive impact of a diverse group.

The government must ensure that all Indonesians can take part in the development of their country free from any kind of unnecessary discrimination.

This country faces many issues that cannot be solved through a monolithic perspective. Indonesia has an incomparable social diversity; it is time that we invite that diversity into our national development, economically and beyond, so we can reach greater heights.

The rise of intolerance is, therefore, a harmful impediment to growth and should be halted immediately. Turning a blind eye right now can spell disaster for decades ahead. Empowering and enforcing human rights laws are only the first steps.

The phenomenon of intolerance must be observed through many lenses: narrow-minded religious interpretations, economic inequality, a failing education system, social isolation and many more. Only comprehensive understanding can produce a comprehensive solution in reversing this trend.

Everyone, from current leaders to the nation'€™s youth, must genuinely embrace and foster diversity '€” not because fate has put us in this beautifully diverse country, not because we coincidentally live together with different people, but because we fully realize that diversity is essential to our progress as an inclusive, innovative and competitive nation.