Reading Indonesia Through the Lens of Batam
The vibrant development of Batam today is the result of nearly four decades of relentless transformation. Unlike organically grown cities, Batam underwent a rapid metamorphosis from an authentic fishing village into the foundation of a modern, futuristic metropolis. Strategically positioned along the busiest shipping route in the Singapore Strait, Batam has long been blessed with an unparalleled geographic advantage.
However, development driven solely by the mechanisms of neo-capitalism has produced paradoxes and contradictions. Social inequalities have surged in tandem with the population boom. While economic growth skyrocketed, social equity struggled to keep pace. This widening gap between the affluent elite and the marginalized has fueled competition and contention, where the victors are predictably the capitalists.
With unrivaled financial leverage, the wealthy seize anything of economic value—often with the Indonesian government rolling out the red carpet for them. Meanwhile, the marginalized, local residents, and working-class communities, who serve as the very gears that drive industrialization, are pushed aside and ruthlessly exploited.
Ade P. Nasution—whom I dare say leans somewhat to the left—brilliantly showcases his intellectual prowess through bold and incisive essays in this book. To fully understand Indonesia’s development model, which adheres to the doctrine of free-market economics, one must analyze it from a critical, alternative perspective. While ideologies such as socialism, Marxism, Leninism, and communism have been heavily stigmatized, they remain vital tools in the dialectical pursuit of social justice, continuously challenging the excesses of neoliberal thought until a more equitable balance is achieved.
Nasution methodically dissects various economic schools of thought—from Classical Mercantilism and Neoclassical Economics to Marxist, Keynesian, and Islamic Economic Concepts—as frameworks for evaluating Indonesia’s national development policies.
Yet, this book is not merely a critique. The author presents pragmatic solutions, urging stakeholders and policymakers to pave the way for micro-enterprises and cooperatives, which embody Indonesia’s deeply rooted spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong). A refined and pragmatic approach to People’s Economy (Ekonomi Kerakyatan)—one that integrates traditional economic values with modern frameworks—is the peaceful path forward in building a more prosperous and equitable Indonesia.
Batam serves as a microcosm of Indonesia’s economic landscape—a city that reflects the nation’s broader struggles and aspirations. Through the insightful and thought-provoking essays in this book—complemented by my own contributions, which align with the author’s analytical approach and linguistic style—I hope this work serves as a valuable reference for Indonesia’s ongoing economic discourse, both at the national level and within Batam itself.
Welcome to the opening pages of a compelling and intellectually enriching book. ~
