The humanitarian crisis in Agats, Asmat, Papua, is a test of the transformative leadership model that aims to inspire the public.
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The humanitarian crisis in Agats, Asmat, Papua, is a test of the transformative leadership model that aims to inspire the public.
The transformative leadership model and motivating the public have become important amidst the current situation of the power-hungry political elite. One of the renowned model leaders who do not lust after power, is Surabaya Mayor Tri “Risma” Rismaharini. Her policies and actions have a very real benefit for fellow human beings.
Even though she was urged to run for East Java deputy governor after Abdullah Azwar Anas withdrew his candidacy in the 2018 regional elections, Risma declined. Urged again, Risma still refused. Risma has stressed that she does not want to run for deputy governor, because she wants to realize her dream for Surabaya.
At a time when politicians are scrambling around for campaign endorsements from political parties, and when such endorsements are reportedly being bought for billions of rupiah, Risma stands as a model. She has refused a political party’s offer for a higher seat of power. Risma\'s political choice seems an anomaly amidst the ongoing hunt for power among the elite.
Risma\'s sense of humanity was moved when our countrymen in Agats, Asmat, were hit by malnutrition, measles and pneumonia. Up to 62 people have died since October 2017. Agats residents are badly in need of a helping hand. Risma responded immediately by organizing aid from among the civil servants of the Surabaya administration and sent it to Asmat.
Without much fanfare, the Surabaya civil servants’ aid package was distributed post-haste to Timika, and then sent on to Agats. She also called upon the public to help their fellows in Agats. How we respond to the humanitarian disaster in Agats is a litmus test of the implementation of Pancasila values.
Compare Risma\'s response with the statement of a minister in Jakarta as quoted by this daily: "This is the era of regional autonomy. The regional administration must act. It would be impossible if all [regions] depended on the central government," that minister said.
The statement seems devoid of empathy. Humanitarian solidarity should transcend hierarchies and territorial boundaries. Leaders who possess humanity will immediately do something for their fellow human beings, regardless of whether the victims are residents of their regions or not; whether the victims possess ID cards from their region or not; whether under regional autonomy era or under the authority of the central government. We believe there are still many leaders who possess a sense of humanity like Risma, but they are tied up with their own local affairs, including struggling to garner support for the regional elections.
This nation needs leaders who inspire the entire country to move forward in the name of humanity, act for the development of their citizens. Our current leaders not only seek power or become power-hungry, but they are also unaware of how to use their power, whether to use it for their own interests, or the interests of their parties or for interest groups. This nation longs for honest leaders who are dedictated to their fellow man and to humanity; leaders who do not need publicity, but those who act sincerely and with genuineness.