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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Economy & Trade

Economic Horse Still Controlled by Humans? Fictional City Debates Growth vs. Well-being

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A fictional city, Neo-Andalas, faces environmental degradation and societal fatigue despite strong economic growth indicators.
  • A "Forum of Civilization Riders" convenes to discuss whether economic growth is truly controlled by humans, featuring historical economists.
  • A young boy, Kael, and a farmer, Paman Ahtan, question the disconnect between economic progress and environmental health, highlighting a different perspective on development.

In the fictional metropolis of Neo-Andalas, a stark contrast emerges between booming economic figures and a city's declining environmental and human well-being. Towering glass buildings pierce a smoggy sky, and a once-vibrant river now flows sluggishly, tinged with brown. Giant screens broadcast impressive economic data – GDP growth at 7.3%, rising consumer confidence, and excellent productivity – yet the city's inhabitants move with a weariness that suggests a loss of direction.

Masalah dunia bukan pertumbuhan. Masalahnya justru karena pertumbuhan belum cukup. Ketika ekonomi melambat: pengangguran naik, investasi turun, kemiskinan meningkat.Kuda ekonomi harus terus dipacu.

— Milton FriedmanFriedman argued that the world's problems stem from insufficient economic growth, which must be maintained to prevent negative social consequences.

This disconnect is the focus of the "Forum of Civilization Riders," a gathering of global thinkers grappling with the question: "Is the Economic Horse Still Controlled by Humans?" Among the attendees are historical economic figures like Milton Friedman, who argues for continued, even increased, economic acceleration to combat unemployment and poverty, and E. F. Schumacher, who questions how long a horse can be pushed without rest and warns against running without direction.

Tetapi, berapa lama seekor kuda bisa dipacu tanpa diberi kesempatan bernafas?

— E. F. SchumacherSchumacher countered Friedman's argument by questioning the sustainability of relentless economic acceleration.

Meanwhile, outside the forum's opulent conference room, a different conversation unfolds. Twelve-year-old Kael, a boy from the city's outskirts, sits with a farmer named Paman Ahtan, clutching a worn book about rivers and rice seeds. Kael, who consults with people on sustainable living, asks his uncle why the river is suffering despite economic progress. Paman Ahtan sadly explains that people have forgotten water is more than just a commodity, pointing to a fundamental disconnect between economic pursuits and ecological respect. The discussion highlights a growing tension between unchecked economic growth and the sustainability of both the environment and human spirit.

Benar. Tetapi dunia juga tidak bisa terus berlari tanpa arah.

— E. F. SchumacherSchumacher further elaborated on his concerns, emphasizing the need for direction alongside economic activity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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