W

henever we hear about issues regarding India and Indonesia, there is certainly a different perception compared with other countries. We tend to think of two very similar countries sharing many variables that are progressively moving toward a better tomorrow.

Fallacious comparisons and surveys only depict the negative aspects of the two diverse countries. On one hand, we should consider the shortcomings in a serious manner. However, with equal importance we should also focus on the many positive aspects in the different areas where these emerging powers
excel. Despite the confusion of introducing several reforms in the countries, the manufacturing sector is one that holds prime importance.

While one country (Indonesia) is the biggest economy in Southeast Asia, the other (India) is providing stiff competition to China to become the Asian superpower. The strongest resource possessed by both countries is human labor. If they can maximize the use of labor in both countries, the manufacturing industry is sure to take a huge leap forward. Growth in India is driven mainly by the middle class and its services, while commodity prices in Indonesia are pushing the scale to higher levels. Although both countries have shown considerable growth, around 5 percent in the previous decade, a result of excellent manufacturing will definitely have a much deeper impact on the economies.

Indonesia has become a massive exporter of petroleum and its various forms, thanks to its abundance in the region. On the contrary, India has claimed the title of a versatile exporter. It is the world's second-largest exporter of products such as textiles, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, basic metals and electric machinery. These products are mainly shipped to the US, western Europe and the Middle East. The manufacturing sector in the country accounts for 16 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 12 percent of the working class. The boost in manufacturing, however small it may be, has added to the celerity of annual development in both countries.

As Agnes Samosir has written in his article titled, 'Indonesia and India: The need to develop the manufacturing sector', published on May 27, some factors such as weak government coalitions and the inefficient delegation of duties are hindering the manufacturing sector from taking the right path.

If this had been done properly from the beginning by great leaders such as Nehru and Soeharto, their dream of a modern nation should have been fulfilled without any compromises. Someone has correctly said, 'Talking about the fire doesn't boil the pot'. Even a thousand mile journey begins with the first step, which both these Asian giants have already taken.

Vikram Nehru has aptly pointed out that financial shortage, land acquisition problems and capacity and skills shortages are the three big speed bumps faced by a budding industry. Of these, the two countries should have no problem at all with skilled labor and land, since they are in abundance. It is no longer the time to digress but to get straight to the point.

Consummate growth is one which is driven by a strong and honest government. Cooperation across the board is needed, including the farmers whose fields are often acquired.

That which comes from the heart is always sincere. We must not leave the job of improving the manufacturing sector to the government. If the authorities are acting in a dilatory fashion, it is our duty to raise questions. If this combination can be achieved by a country, you can be assured it is most definitely on the right track to success.

Sahil Nandal
Purwakarta, West Java