Asia's reform trinity, shift gear now
By Kishore Mahbubani (China Daily) Updated: 2014-08-18 07:53To win the support needed to implement these reforms without undermining political stability or social cohesion, Modi must demonstrate that he is an inclusive leader capable of cooperating with Indians outside of his Hindu nationalist base - including the country's 150 million-plus Muslims. If he succeeds, he, like Xi, will become his country's next iconic leader.
In Indonesia's case, the two most influential leaders were Sukarno, who used powerful rhetoric to foster a sense of national unity in one of the world's most diverse countries, and Suharto, who overthrew Sukarno and created a strong economic base that lifted millions out of poverty. Jokowi must now lay the institutional foundation for good governance.
Jokowi has risen from humble beginnings to the apex of power without compromising his image as a "man of the people" or his reputation for pragmatism and honesty. Jokowi has a long track record of good governance, having implemented effective policies during his stint as mayor of Surakarta (such as refurbishing markets, relocating slum dwellers and cutting red tape), and governor of Jakarta (where he broadened access to healthcare and education).
But replicating this success at the national level will be no easy feat. Jokowi, who takes office in October, must implement policies that address rising inequality, unsustainable fuel subsidies, entrenched corruption, inadequate infrastructure and restrictive labor laws - all while rebuilding trust in Indonesian institutions.
The challenges facing Jokowi are compounded by the fact that his ruling coalition holds only about one-third of the seats in Indonesia's parliament, with the rest loyal to the coalition of his rival in the presidential election, Prabowo Subianto. So, in introducing a new style of governance, exemplified by merit-based cabinet appointments, Jokowi must be careful not to alienate the political and business elites who have long benefited from their tight grip on power.
In short, if Jokowi is to form a national consensus on the institutions that Indonesia needs, he will have to reach across this political divide. To this end, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's cross-party "Pact for Mexico" could serve as a useful model.
Promisingly, Jokowi has a reputation for being free of partisan and religious politics, and having a talent for communicating with people. And, as a political outsider, he is in a unique position to direct Indonesia toward a more prosperous, united future - and vault himself into the country's pantheon of great leaders.
China, India and Indonesia are all well positioned to take important steps forward. A commitment by Xi, Modi and Jokowi to do what is needed would bring rapid, far-reaching progress to their respective countries, Asia and the global order.
The author is dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, and is the author of The Great Convergence: Asia, the West, and the Logic of One World.
Project Syndicate
