In fact, a sound idea can often be described in simple language. The underlying premise is that scientific publications are basically unfair and influenced by Western opinions. But how does that explain how countries like Malaysia linguistically score better than their Western counterparts?

Is it because they concur or challenge “Western” science? If Indonesia scores below the average margin, it may be perhaps more a matter of philosophical and cultural differences.

I’ve met many bright Indonesians who insist that Indonesians have no reason to harbor an inferiority complex about their own intellectual abilities. But Indonesian culture promotes consensus and respect for authority (especially religion, state and the academic world). Someone challenging these authorities will likely be less successful in Indonesian society.

Unfortunately these positive values are at the same time a handicap in the domains of science, which can only advance by challenging what is obvious and authoritative based on logical arguments and modern evidence. Objectivity is often imperfect in scientific and academic circles – including Sugiharto’s opinions perhaps?

Personal and ideological preferences do play a role — everywhere. But in history we have seen how sound scientific ideas eventually emerge in the West, even at times of political, nationalistic, ideological and religious struggle.

Science is — or at least should be — ideologically-agnostic. A good example is the history of Einstein and his theory of general relativity. Einstein and his “controversial” theory certainly were not accepted easily by the academic establishment; maybe because of his background, or maybe because many academicians simply tend to be conceited and protective of their own ideas and importance. But Einstein got tremendous support from Arthur Eddington, a British scientist, who helped prove his theory.

This in spite of the fact that Germany and everything German (which was what Einstein was at that time in the eyes of the British) were tremendously unpopular due to the war. For another example, Elgamal’s work is also undervalues simply because he is an Egyptian.

You cannot have your cake and eat it too. The qualities that could make Indonesians excel in some areas (like religion and harmony) are sometimes counterproductive in other areas. Similarly, Westerners are often less fit to contribute to the variations of religion.

Ironically, this “Western science” is perhaps more of Greek-Indian origin and thrived much more under early Islam centuries before the European renaissance. If Indonesians prefer their culture as it is, and they excel in other fields, why blame “others” for fostering  feelings of conspiratorial victimization?  

This cannot be helpful at all. You can either be happy with what you have. or initiate change. A change can only be effective if you make an unemotional and critical self analysis first. Such a change may also have disadvantages. Don’t simply just change for the sake of change, but understand the consequences as well.

Paolo L Scalpini
Toulouse, France

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