Infrastructure, human capital and foreign investment: President Widodo's Indonesian Vision

The Indonesian leader, together with his deputy, illustrated the country's development plan for the coming years.  Among the priorities, the fight against corruption and bureaucracy that block development and businesses.  Pancasila and unity in diversity are the values ​​on which to base the recovery.  Zero tolerance against those who foment hatred and divisions.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Infrastructural development, strengthening the ethical value of human capital and foreign investments to create more job opportunities: these are the three points of the new growth plan for the country renamed "Indonesian Vision"  presented by President Joko Widodo and his deputy Ma'aruf Amin, during a meeting in Sentul, a city in the Bogor district of West Java.

For the leader of the most populous Muslim nation in the world, some "steps" are essential for growth and development in terms of human development, work ethic and public administration efficiency.

The first point to be addressed, he warns, is infrastructural development, which will undergo "a much greater acceleration" than initially expected.  First of all with regard to roads, airports and ports, plus greater interaction between local, small and medium enterprises.  "This is our goal - Widodo warns - and in this sense we must operate".

Another key challenge is the "development of human capital", which is fundamental to change "ethics in work" especially with regard to "bureaucracy" in government and public administration.  "A rapid and effective service - the president continues - should be our way of acting".  At the same time, he announces drastic measures against less productive agencies or with an attitude that is poorly suited to the public.

The third and final point concerns foreign investment, to create new jobs, by facilitating the start-up of businesses and activities without fear of fueling the phenomenon of corruption and bribes.  "Anyone who creates obstacles - Widodo warns - not respecting the ethical principle of work, will be hit hard".  And, in this sense, a reform of the bureaucracy is "urgent".

Addressing his fellow citizens, the head of state asked them to "change mentality", promote a greater aptitude for service, controlling "the budget" and using it "appropriately so it can have maximum return".  Our common dream, he emphasizes, can only come true if "we are united as a nation" made up of 17 thousand islands and 267 million inhabitants.

This unity  is founded on the Pancasila, the inspiring principles of the State, and also those who are in opposition must express their ideas refraining from speeches of hatred and violence.  "I will not tolerate - he assures - those who oppose Pancasila.  There will be no one who can question the value of "unity in diversity" [Bhinneka Tunggal Ika] ", in a nation that registers violence against Christians, Muslims (Shiites) and Ahmadis."  The president promised to target "those who foment hatred and divisions on an ethnic, religious and confessional basis, undermining the common "harmony and good".  Because, he concludes, "everyone is equal before the law".