History of Indonesia and Republic of Korea occurred almost simultaneously as the development of industries and agriculture began in the 1970s. However, in the following decade, Republic of Korea rapidly developed and brought the country as the hugest industry in the world. On the other hand, Indonesia was far left behind so that Indonesia must dare to make changes to catch up and become a developed country.
In the opening of National Convention for the Betterment of Indonesia (KNIB) 2016 in Monday (23/5) at Sportorium of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), President of Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Joko Widodo, stated that Indonesia is not able to be a developed country since Indonesia do not dare to undertake massive changes in government and regulation.
If Indonesia is eager to be a developed country and to have high competitiveness, this country should dare to adopt other countries. For instance, Republic of Korea is democratic, innovative, and competitive. To be like Republic of Korea, Indonesia should be brave to undertake changes. “We have been trapped into old things. We do not think productively, we easily mock others and complain. Thus, the challenge is to get rid of the thoughts,” he declared.
Ir. Joko Widodo mentioned three ways to foster competitiveness of Indonesia. First, the infrastructures must be built rapidly. Second, massive deregulation must be performed since there are three thousand problematic regulations. Third, human resources must be enhanced.
The infrastructures of Indonesia are far from other countries. “The deregulation aimed at omitting all complicated regulations such as simplifying business permission. Besides, the development of human resources can be carried out through evolving vocational schools, training, and internships. Therefore, job demands will exist because Indonesia now has 7.6 employments,” he emphasized.
To be a developed country, Indonesian people and government should be united. The unity will lead to the development of this country and the enhancement of competitiveness. “We must be united to become a developed and strong nation,” he ended.
