Bright or Dark?

Indonesia is in the middle of an emergency situation. By this, I don't mean bad things such as war or military coups. I mean, there are communication issues among citizens that make a healthy discussion impossible. Health is, of course, a broad term. 

Lately, students, academics, and think tanks have expressed their concerns over the political-economic situation. Their critical sentiment is enshrined in the popular colloquial term "Indonesia Gelap," which means "dark Indonesia." Not until recently did the government, via one of the ministers, commence a counter-campaign entitled "Indonesia terang" (Bright Indonesia).

As an Indonesian citizen living abroad, I couldn't do anything except observe. All problems should be treated in detail and using a pragmatic and technocratic approach. I see that political bias and partisan sentiment dominate the underlying intentions. 

Indonesian problems have been in place for decades. Not only does it need a comprehensive solution but also a long-term plan. These problems are, among others, political party dominance, high-cost elections and businesses, infrastructure and human development gaps, income gaps, corruption, and ineffective bureaucracy. 

This writing does not seek a solution or provide one. I try to give a broad overview of what has happened in Indonesia. Hopefully, it is a good beginning to discuss more about the current situation in Indonesia.