 . The conference deliberated on the many facets of MDGs as seen from the Islamic perspectives, and on how to best achieve the goals of the MDGs in a more suitable and acceptable ways. True, there are concepts which to certain Muslim circles are still not wholely acceptable. There were also traditional views which do not fit well with the interpretations of the “modernist” circles. Discussions also revolve around incumbent issues such as the gender perspectives, universal education, ways and means to combat and prevent HIV/AIDS and other diseases, especially those related to poverty.
In this conference Prof Dr Haryono Suyono launched the idea of empowering the Indonesian families in the overall efforts of family development through the Mosque-based POSDAYA approach. This idea received ovation and accolades, as this is novel and innovative. In the former days Mosques are best known as the center for religious teachings and practices, and seldom are thy known as center and fora for activities and development communications.
Another event in the first quarter of 2007 was the seminar held at the office of the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare entitled “Streamlining Policies and Population Programs within the Framework of the Indonesian Human development”. In this forum Prof Dr Haryono Suyono underscored the need for a sharp focus to carry our development efforts to the desired goals, including those advocated by the MDGs. He further offered his views on the prevailing thoughts regarding the cabinet reshuffle.
In the interim time, the FAMANDIRI Foundation has published a brochure on the linkage of MDGs and the Eight Functions of the Indonesian Family. As one would notice, the Eight Functions of the Indonesian Family was an obsession in the late 1980s and the 1990s in the realm of FP/RH which recently re-emerged and proved to be still valid for the present-day’s challenges.
Later in the same quarter Indonesia saw the launching of the Indonesian Vision for 2030 by the Indonesian Forum Foundation. On this very issue, various ideas and reactions were advanced by experts, political pundits, practitioners and those who call themselves visionaries. Many other authorities remained silent, yet closely observant. Those ideas and thoughts among others say that it is too premature to launch such grandiose vision for 2030 with targets perhaps too difficult to attain. The vision calls for Indonesia to become a developed nation which will be championing in managing its natural resources, founded on four achievements, i.e.:
• Becoming one of the world’s economic powers with an income per capita of USD 18,000 per annum;
• Appropriately applying sustainable natural resource management ;
• Manifesting equitably shared quality modern life and growth;
• Having at least 30 enterprises in the Fortune’s 500 companies.
One of the many seminars to discuss this vision was the Roundtable Discussion of Journalists organized by the Indonesian Coalition for Population and Development. The Coalition is an NGO specializing in advocacy on Population issues within the realm of national and sub-national development, directed to policy decision-makers at those levels.
Of the many grounds covered in that media conference, the following are imperative to be brought forward.
• The Indonesia vision for 2030 can be materialized on the condition that the MDGs for 2015 is fulfilled, among other things that poverty is reduced to half of the condition in the year 2000, that universal education is fulfilled, that maternal and infant deaths are cut to more acceptable levels, and so forth as the MDGs advocate.
• It is also advocated that policy decision-makers at all levels are conversant about the basic concepts of the MDGs, such that they could then base their decisions thereupon.
• That the vision and missions be appropriately translated into a comprehensible “road map” for lay people and for field level implementers, who are in fact ready to implement those ideals through the POSDAYA approach.
• That it is imperative to coordinate development activities in such a way that synergy is attained, and well monitored. Duplication is to be avoided at all cost.
• Last, but not least, is the importance to “sell” the vision 2030 as wide as possible through all sorts of media.
While all of those considerations are submitted for consideration, the most certain fact is that the clock continues to tock, and we are indeed in a tight race against time. |
