Imam Cahyono (editor)
Introduction: Ali Alatas, SH.
ISBN 978-979-3330-80-8
Publisher PT. LP3ES Library, Jakarta
Print: First, December 2008
xiv + 322 pp; 15,5 x 23 cm
Discussions on the topic of globalization have never been without controversy, both among politicians, experts, businesses and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Those who pro-globalize think that globalization, in particular, is triggered by the recent extraordinary advances in science and technology, especially communication and transportation technologies. So, not made by one or a group of certain countries. Globalization will be able to bring progress and prosperity to mankind if used properly. The counter-globalization parties assume that globalization is basically an engineering of certain advanced industrial countries to perpetuate their dominance over developing and underdeveloped countries.
I myself have described globalization as a blind force, which needs to be guided by the rules of the game at a fair and clear global level, so as not to cause harm and havoc to those who cannot or are not ready to take advantage of it. There is no denying that in fact today the majority of developing and poor countries are actually getting worse off and marginalized by it.
However, gradually there has been a growing awareness that fighting globalization will be futile and, apart from the controversy about the origins of globalization, every country and every government has no other choice but to face the process and all the implications of globalization with existing capabilities. It is more important to try so that globalization, which is accompanied by intense competition between countries, runs in a fairer and more equitable manner, so that developing and poor countries can also enjoy it. This requires the efforts and agreement of the international community to develop fair and more balanced rules of the game in global governance.
Even though globalization is happening in various aspects of people's lives, globalization in the economic sector is the most prominent and has a real impact on global governance. And, speaking of reorganizing economic globalization, of course, it is necessary to research and overhaul or adjust the structure and way of operating international financial institutions that play a decisive role, namely the World Bank (IBRD), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organization (WTO).
This approach is also applied in the book Taming Global Metapower: Indonesia's Voice for a Fairer Globalization, which is the result of a study by a number of experts who are members of the Association's efforts. Prakarsa and published by PT. LP3ES Indonesia Library.
The three international institutions, in particular the World Bank and IMF, are in fact dominated by the United States and its developed country allies and greatly influence the governance mechanism of various aspects of economic globalization which have a negative impact on the interests of developing countries. Aspects that are considered very conspicuous in the governance of these international financial institutions include the undemocratic representation of their membership, the voting system in decision-making that is difficult in developed countries, the lack of transparency and accountability. This inequality and injustice in governance has long aroused concern, even protest, from developing countries and some experts from the West who are sympathetic to the interests of developing countries. However, it must be admitted that efforts to improve this situation so far have not yielded results.
Indonesian experts and the authors of this book are well aware of this, but still feel the urgency to do so. It should be noted that this kind of study inevitably has to analyze and evaluate Indonesia's economic diplomacy, whose role is felt to be inadequate today.
Bearing in mind that in the repertoire of national books writings on globalization and governance, particularly the role that Indonesia can play in them are still very limited, I believe this book will be able to fill this very acute void. I hope that this book can arouse greater interest among policy makers and practitioners and encourage Indonesian writers and publishers to delve deeper into the issue of globalization whose implications are very real for our national interests.
