Jakarta Globe, Kennial Caroline Laia, Jan 05, 2015
As 2015 starts, optimism and expectation thrives among Indonesians — especially the young. (JG Photo/Boy T. Harjanto) |
Jakarta. As
the new year kicks off, optimism and expectation thrives among Indonesians —
especially the young.
Several
young Indonesians shared their views on economic issues, saying that Indonesia
would likely be more improved financially, while others believed that the people
of Indonesia would become more tolerant and respectful of each other.
Economics
postgraduate candidate Ryan Caesar Purba, 27, said that he viewed 2015 as a
special time, filled with golden opportunities for Indonesians to compete with
people from other countries in the region while welcoming the economic
integration under the Asean Economic Community, or AEC.
“The free
trade flow of the so-called AEC shall be the bottom line of our economic
development during the year of 2015,” Ryan told the Jakarta Globe.
“With
economic integration, Indonesia will have more opportunities with various
incomes. If we can catch up with other countries, the system can contribute
much to improving the prosperity level of Indonesians. Therefore we should
compete progressively.
“On the
other hand, the AEC could also be a threat for us if we fight weakly,” Ryan
added.
“With AFTA
[Asean Free Trade Agreement], this year should be a great chance for Indonesia.
Local businesses and small and medium enterprises can expand their business,”
Ryan said.
Sweta
Kartika, 29, the creator of the Nusantaranger comics, said the AEC would also
be an entry for entrepreneurs in the creative industries to introduce their
products to the international community.
“This year
is full of potential for Indonesia’s younger generations to improve the quality
and quantity of their work. The AEC will motivate us to be better — especially
in joining the international competition of the creative industries,” Sweta
said.
“Moreover,
social media would still play an important role in supporting the creative
entrepreneur. We proved it last year where once the creative product — be it
movies, books or comic — were exposed by the media, the creative spirit would
go viral among young creators. And we have to maintain this.
“The more
young creators get involved in Indonesia’s creative industry, the more it will
enliven local products in our country. Our anime, games and animation series
are ready to compete with those made by other countries,” he said.
Sweta said
that national and international events would push quality improvement and
product marketing, including events such as Popcon, Hellofest and Baros
Animation Fest.
“And more
importantly, the government must support its youth in developing their creativity
by providing them protection through intellectual property rights. The strict
implementation of the law must be taken seriously,” Sweta said.
Gemilang
Yudha Pratama, 22, an entrepreneur, said the infrastructure development planned
by President Joko Widodo’s administration would likely be the main factor for
positive change in the economic sphere, from the grassroots level up to big
businesses.
“With the
new administration, I think that we will have more economic activities this
year,” he said.
“This will
affect many people across Indonesia, especially if the infrastructure
development is implemented by the government. This year will surely be better
than 2014.
“Challenges
will remain, but that’s just business, you know. Our country might not be in
its best in this new year compared with other developed countries in the
region, but I am optimistic that we will be able to catch up,” Gemilang said.
He added
that 2015 would also be better for religious tolerance.
“Socially,
Indonesians will be more improved regarding their mind-set. From year to year,
many Indonesians have become more critical and vocal in criticizing government
regulations. I hope that Indonesia can also apply this to tolerance,” Gemilang
said.
Another
young entrepreneur, Laskar Pratama, 25, echoed the sentiment, saying that 2015
would be the beginning of Joko’s development programs.
“With the
new year, we also leave behind the political sentiment of the presidential
election, which caused Indonesia economic instability. This year, there will be
no more expectations about Joko. What remains is the wait for the president’s
agenda implementation,” Laskar said.
“Subsequently,
our economic outlook will be more stable.”
The
beginning of the year also brings with it concerns over the price of fuel,
after the government lowered prices as of Jan. 1 following a sharp hike in
mid-November.
According
to Nikita Devi Purnama, a 26-year-old content writer, fuel prices will still be
a problem in 2015.
“While
there are many things to consider this new year, I guess this year will be
tough for some people in certain areas regarding the fuel price, because it’s a
big factor in many other sectors. I’m not an economic expert, but I think the
economic burden will be higher this year,” she said.
“The
government has stated that it will follow the world oil price. This might
confuse people, but the situation will also benefit some people who can follow
the pace, including me.
“In
addition, this year will be more efficient [in terms of governance] with all
the transparent information and clear systems. I can see this year will be
simpler and on-point,” Nikita said, declining to elaborate.
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