Development is a consistent element in the implementation of Indonesian policies. However, it has become increasingly challenging, particularly following the decline of the New Order regime and Indonesia’s rejection of certain political practices associated with it. This paper aims to present a reflective analysis of the evolving nature of development, from its initiation under the New Order regime to the present postReformation era, and how nationalist development navigates the intricate cultural landscape in Indonesia as well as exploring the possibility of the idea of ecological modernization being an alternative to the obsolete New Order development model.
A visible lowering of the level of social sensitivity to ecological problems will be a starting point for the considerations in this article. The author associates such a status quo with the activity of political powers for which solving ecological problems brings only costs and, quite often, compromises the interests of institutions sponsoring politicians. Owing to the influence of the media, social activity is steered by the authority elites mainly in the spheres easy to control. Ordinary citizens concerned about the state of the surrounding environment do not make the decisions of how to deal with the issues of ecological dangers; rather the process is dominated by political and economic lobbies. Immediate economic goals have completely overshadowed the concern about the future of our planet up to now. Therefore, in the conclusion, the author claims that new ideas and impulse are needed today to activate a disorientated society. And this impulse should emerge from environmental ethics.
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