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| Gonda Sumitro in leading the FGD with Bappenas (Photo : Haqi Public Relations) |
This century is considered the century of Asia because it has the potential to give rise to a great civilization like the one that Asia once had. One of the countries that are considered to be a candidate for new emerging power is Indonesia. This was conveyed by the Chairman of the Asian Studies Center of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Gonda Yumitro, SIP., MA., Ph.D. in focused discussions regarding the National Long-Term Development Plan in the Field of Foreign Policy and International Development Cooperation. The agenda is a collaboration between the White Campus and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), which was held on Wednesday (24/3).
Gonda, his nickname, continued that various new powerful countries appeared in Asia at this time. Call it China, India, even Turkey, which can also find new powerful countries on other continents, such as Brazil in Latin America and South Africa on the African continent. Indonesia is also considered a newly emerging power at the world level.
"Especially in 2040, one of the factors is the demographic bonus. If we can organize and prepare young people well, then this prediction will certainly come true," he said.
So, on that occasion, Bappenas carried out a comprehensive study involving the academic community. Become one of the strategies to make getting input in national development planning easier. "Hopefully, what we discussed today can be a big contribution to Indonesia's development. At least it will be a positive input, too," added Gonda.
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Meanwhile, the Director of Foreign Policy and International Development Cooperation of Bappenas, Dr. Ir. Vishnu Utomo, M.Sc., emphasizes that planning is essential. He could not imagine if the development of Indonesia, which is an archipelagic country with 34 provinces, was not planned properly.
Regarding the direction of national development, Vishnu mentioned two things. First, namely, economic transformation, especially economic growth. In addition, it also increases productivity based on innovation and high skills. Then the second is to make Indonesia independent and become the most influential country in the Asia Pacific.
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Wisnu also explained some recent global political dynamics that need to be a common concern. Starting with the global economic recession and increasing unilateralism policies. Even with the country's fragility in facing crises and creating sustainable peace along with the increasing escalation of conflict. The global gap and the impact of climate change are also things that need to be highlighted and discussed.
"During these conditions, Indonesia still believes in the importance of multilateralism to achieve national interests while at the same time contributing to the formation of global governance. One of them is by participating in more than 200 international forums and organizations (OI)," he continued.
There are various challenges that Indonesia needs to face and overcome when joining the organization. One of them is that the utilization of Indonesia's membership in OI is considered not comparable to the payment of contributions. Likewise, with the less than optimal success of the candidacy for the chairmanship of Indonesia in the OI. "Then the last one is that the representation of Indonesian citizens in international organizations is not yet optimal," concluded Wisnu. (apg/wil)
