The Latin proverb “Qui ascendit sine labore, descendit sine honore” can be translated as “He who rises without effort, falls without honor.” This proverb emphasizes the relationship between effort, achievement, and honor. Its message is that someone who achieves success or accomplishment without sincere effort is likely not to receive the deserved respect or recognition. In other words, success achieved through effort and hard work is more likely to be valued and respected.
In many instances, Jokowi has often expressed that the challenges facing Indonesia in the future will be more complex and difficult. He then emphasizes, “Be cautious in choosing a leader.” So far, anyone would agree; that it’s a normative metaphor. However, what becomes confusing is his solution: presenting his own eldest son, Gibran, to emerge as a national leader. Yet, both Jokowi and Gibran have stated that they are not old enough and lack sufficient experience.
Jokowi’s naked decision to support his son as a vice-presidential candidate has sparked widespread protests, especially after Iriana, Gibran’s mother and Jokowi’s wife, was known to be signaling support for Raka to become a vice-presidential candidate.
Who is Gibran? He is nominated as a vice-presidential candidate by another party. What contributions has he made to the nominating party? Are there no better party members in Golkar? Typically, someone interested in becoming a leader should have a social investment testimony. Gibran lacks such a record. Even as a mayor, he has only been in office for two years, and that, too, according to FX Rudy, was due to his father’s influence.
In another illustration, Gibran is like a boxer thrown into the ring facing an opponent of unmatched caliber, without any preparation.
Cicero conveys a similar sentiment: “Qui ascendit sine labore, descendit sine honore,” which can be translated as “He who ascends the stage unprepared, descends without honor.”
Now it has been proven that Gibran was placed on the stage in the role of his parents, facing cheers, jeers, mockery, and at the same time, being showered with insults that cut deep.
This proverb emphasizes the relationship between effort, achievement, and honor. Its message is that someone who achieves success or accomplishment without sincere effort is likely not to receive the deserved respect or recognition. In other words, success achieved through effort and hard work is more likely to be valued and respected.
Sound and sane minds cannot accept the reality of Gibran’s achievements with awards given by his father’s role, leading to his candidacy as vice president. On the other hand, there is a legal issue that looms, which could eventually throw Gibran into disgrace.
Prof. Mahfud MD once strongly stated that Indonesia needs a “Strong Leader” for the vulnerable situation of potential division and various economic issues. If he himself were to step forward, we could accept it. We know who Mahfud MD is. He can be considered someone who knows how to start building Indonesia, giving birth to strong leadership.
Indonesia, like many other countries in the world, faces various complex challenges in its development and progress. Some key challenges include economic, social, environmental, and political aspects. Among them:
- Poverty and Inequality: Despite progress in reducing poverty, economic and social inequality remains a problem. The government needs to continue efforts to ensure inclusive economic growth and support vulnerable groups.
- Education: Improving the quality of education and ensuring equal access remain challenges. Quality education is key to creating competent and competitive human resources.
- Public Health: The health system needs continuous improvement to address issues such as the spread of infectious diseases, limited access to health services in some areas, and other public health issues.
- Climate Change: Indonesia, as an archipelagic nation, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and environmental damage. Environmental protection and efforts to mitigate climate change are crucial.
- Sustainable Economic Growth: The government needs to promote sustainable economic growth while considering its impact on the environment and society. This includes the development of innovative and environmentally friendly economic sectors.
- Governance and Corruption: Challenges related to governance and corruption are still relevant. Increased transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption efforts will support sustainable development.
- Urbanization and City Development: Population growth and urbanization pose challenges in urban management, including infrastructure provision, decent housing, and improving the quality of life in urban areas.
- Innovation and Technology: The rapid pace of technological change demands the adoption of innovation to maintain competitiveness. Increased access and utilization of information technology can support various sectors, including education and the economy.
The government, along with civil society and the private sector, needs to collaborate to address these challenges for Indonesia to achieve sustainable and inclusive development.
