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ASEAN a fertile ground for volunteerism, civic engagement
More transparency on ways politics are played out, more interactions with the citizenry, more participation and involvement, especially at local levels, are going to be essential.
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Story time: A visually impaired member of Braille’iant Indonesia listens to an audiobook made by sighted volunteers. (Courtesy of Braille’iant Indonesia) (Personal archive/Courtesy of Braille’iant Indonesia)
I
n observance of this year’s International Volunteer Day, which fell on Dec. 5, here is my pitch for Indonesia and the entire region: It is essential to boost and energize volunteerism because it is an intrinsic component of the broader concept of civic engagement, which is going to be an essential pillar to build stronger, more resilient societies.
It is time to talk about progressive economic policies, new funding to support the transformational changes that the countries in the region need to undertake to reach a net zero scenario in a few decades to come.
Our attention should be focused on progressive policies able to generate jobs at a scale never seen before, because the job market in Indonesia and in the region must be more inclusive and accessible, and especially able to provide a path forward to those lagging behind, including people with disabilities and other minority groups.
We are entering an era in which good governance, in particular inclusive good governance, is going to be paramount. More transparency on ways politics are played out, more interactions with the citizenry, more participation and involvement, especially at local level levels, are going to be essential.
That is why we need the leaders of the region to commit to enhance people's participation at the grassroots level.
Regardless of whether you live in Bandar Seri Begawan, Phnom Penh or Hanoi, certainly not paragons of democracy and human rights in the region, politicians must commit to provide their people with more avenues to participate and be engaged.
What I am talking about is a different way of thinking and formulating the process of public policies and people must come first. It is not about acts of generosity and kindness typical of volunteerism.
