Cultural strategy in Indonesia is not only to produce community to become "labors" of technology in the future, but people should be able to become the inventor, in other words to educate people to think, say and act right. Thereby, Indonesian people are able to mix cultural products with technologies that are tailored to the values adhered to by that society itself.
This was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Education and Culture, Section of Culture, Prof. Ir. Wiendu Nuryanti, M.Arch., Ph.D, delivering her speech entitled Technology Development based on Culture at the 66th Anniversary of Engineering Higher Education at Central Office of Faculty of Engineering UGM, Friday (17/2).
Wiendu said the failure in development of technology is when we tend to think that technology should always be taken from outside our neighborhood while we do not have the view to explore and utilize technology that grows out of "home" or our own environment. Technocrats have often wondered at the ease of practical applications, but ignore the suitability of such applications to the context and values in society.
Although we have to adopt technology from abroad, the use and application of this technology must be socially acceptable and firmly rooted in the systems and values in society, so its existence can survive in long term period.
"We often forget when applied technology does not fit the context and values of society," Wiendu said.
According to Wiendu, entering the 21st century, we have to begin to take a more holistic approach in the development and application of technology. This partly requires major shift of paradigm, particularly in controlling nature, awareness of the ecosystem, cultural preservation and environmental restoration, and a new mindset that bases the principles of sustainable development.
Unfortunately, along with the rapid development of science and technology, in its application it gives less attention or responsiveness to the social, economic and environmental impacts that lead to environmental damage. At this point, consciousness of a nation emerges in the development of science and technology which are based on dignity and humanity.
"The real Indonesian culture is the main key in facing challenges of time, international relations and the fundamental philosophy in developing any technology," the Professor of Faculty of Engineering said.
Meanwhile, in his remarks the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Ir. Tumiran, M.Eng, Ph.D., explained that at the age of 66 years, there has been many roles undertaken by the faculties, students, and alumni with results perceivable by the public, not only in national but also international contexts. The challenges faced by Faculty of Engineering will be even greater along with population growth, employment, competition products and technological innovation.
"If engineering science can actually be implemented according to the engineering principle, it will really be used by various parties," Tumiran said.
In the same place, UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng, Ph.D., expected Faculty of Engineering can continue to progress and develop as a center of excellence in the world. The Rector also assessed the challenges ahead of Indonesia will also be greater in 2050, especially with the increasing population.
"It depends on our willingness to be more confident. With that, other nations will learn from Indonesia," Rector said.
Ttwo books were launched in the event by a professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Triatmodjo. The books are entitled Perencanaan Bangunan Pantai (Coastal Building Planning) and Mentari Bersinar Lagi (the Sun Shines Again).