Prof. Akhmaloka: Turn Interaction into a Powerful Instrument in National Development
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id - "Economic competitiveness is still a relevant parameter in measuring national development, but the ability of a nation to cooperate with other nations is becoming increasingly crucial," stressed ITB Rector, Prof. Akhmaloka in his speech addressing the first graduation of 2010/2011. According to him, various global change and scientific discoveries have led into the realization that international cooperation determines development. The process of building a national character requires a new approach, which is putting it in the context of global interaction on the grounds of multilateral equality and the principle of confidence. Indonesia faces a challenge to be involved in the interaction, and then to capitalize from it and utilize it for purposes of development in local, national, and global scale.
"In the near future, nations that will stand out are those that possess the capability to interact in the global scene, to dig out new chances for local development, also national and global," the rector stated. In multicultural democracy, what is needed is the coopration between nations that gives chances for everyone to win.
New Resources
Resources overexploitation by certain nations for economic or military needs have caused threats for mankind throughout the world. Development sustainability requires finding new resources, particularly renewables. This matter has also arisen as a challenge in erecting a new economic system that lies on foundations of green science and technology.
This opens up new chances for scientific cooperations such as energy trade, or trades concerning the field of food.
Interaction as Foundation
Completing study in ITB means acquiring an understanding and new skills in science and technology. "The foundation you acquire in ITB is the capability to identify and understand new chances," he expressed.
According to him, the real world is a place where new aspirations and inspirations arise all the time. For that, theories, models, and techniques learnt in university studies are together an important and crucial contributive factor in national development. "You need to be involved in interaction and learning. That interaction should be based upon the principle of respecting and caring for each other," he said.
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