Most Successful Pelita During The New Order Era?

Hey guys! Let's dive into a fascinating part of Indonesian history: the New Order era and its Pelita programs. Ever wondered which of these Pembangunan Lima Tahun (Five-Year Development Plans) was considered the most successful? Well, buckle up, because we're about to explore that!

Understanding the Pelita System

Before we get into which Pelita reigned supreme, let's quickly recap what these Pelita were all about. Introduced by President Soeharto, the Pelita were a series of five-year plans designed to systematically develop Indonesia's economy and infrastructure. The main goals were to boost economic growth, improve the quality of life for Indonesians, and achieve national stability. Each Pelita had its own set of priorities, focusing on different sectors and challenges.

The New Order regime, which lasted from 1966 to 1998, implemented six Pelita in total:

• Pelita I (1969-1974): Focused on agriculture and improving food production.
• Pelita II (1974-1979): Emphasized industrial development, particularly industries that supported agriculture.
• Pelita III (1979-1984): Aimed to improve income distribution and equity.
• Pelita IV (1984-1989): Concentrated on developing human resources and technology.
• Pelita V (1989-1994): Focused on improving competitiveness and efficiency.
• Pelita VI (1994-1999): Aimed to strengthen the industrial sector and prepare for globalization. (However, this Pelita was cut short by the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis and the fall of Soeharto.)

So, Which Pelita Was the Most Successful?

Okay, so here’s the million-dollar question: which of these Pelita was the most successful? It's a tricky question because success can be measured in different ways. However, if we look at a combination of economic growth, poverty reduction, and overall improvement in living standards, Pelita II and Pelita IV often come out on top.

Pelita II (1974-1979): Laying the Industrial Foundation

Pelita II is often lauded for its significant strides in industrial development. While Pelita I successfully boosted agricultural output, Pelita II aimed to build upon this foundation by establishing industries that supported the agricultural sector. This meant investing in fertilizer plants, agricultural machinery factories, and other related industries. This strategic move not only increased agricultural productivity but also created jobs and stimulated economic growth in other sectors. The growth rate during this period was impressive, averaging around 7-8% per year. This growth was fueled by increased investment, both domestic and foreign, and by the government's focus on strategic industries.

Moreover, Pelita II saw improvements in infrastructure, such as roads and ports, which were crucial for supporting industrial expansion and facilitating trade. The government also implemented policies to encourage domestic investment and protect local industries from foreign competition. While these policies had their critics, they played a role in fostering the growth of Indonesian businesses. Pelita II also prioritized education and skills development, recognizing that a skilled workforce was essential for industrial progress. Vocational schools and training programs were expanded to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the industrial sector. This investment in human capital laid the groundwork for future economic development and helped to improve the long-term competitiveness of Indonesian industries.

Pelita IV (1984-1989): Investing in Human Capital and Technology

Pelita IV is another strong contender for the title of most successful Pelita. This period marked a shift towards developing human resources and technology. The government recognized that to sustain long-term economic growth, Indonesia needed a more skilled and educated workforce. As a result, Pelita IV saw significant investments in education at all levels, from primary schools to universities. The number of schools and teachers increased, and the quality of education was improved through curriculum reforms and teacher training programs. This focus on education helped to create a more skilled workforce, which in turn attracted more foreign investment and supported the growth of high-tech industries. Pelita IV also emphasized the importance of technological innovation. The government provided incentives for companies to invest in research and development, and it established research institutes to promote technological advancements in key sectors. This focus on technology helped to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Indonesian industries, and it laid the groundwork for future innovation. Furthermore, Pelita IV saw improvements in healthcare and other social services, which contributed to a higher quality of life for Indonesians. The government expanded access to healthcare facilities, improved sanitation, and implemented programs to reduce infant mortality and malnutrition. These improvements in social welfare helped to create a healthier and more productive workforce, which in turn supported economic growth.

The Impact on Poverty Reduction

One of the most significant achievements of the Pelita era was the reduction of poverty. While it's hard to attribute this solely to one Pelita, the combined efforts of all the development plans had a profound impact. During the New Order period, Indonesia saw a dramatic decrease in the percentage of the population living below the poverty line. In the 1970s, around 60% of Indonesians lived in poverty. By the mid-1990s, this figure had dropped to around 11%. This reduction in poverty was due to a combination of factors, including economic growth, increased employment opportunities, and targeted poverty reduction programs. The Pelita plans played a crucial role in creating these conditions and improving the lives of millions of Indonesians. The focus on agriculture in the early Pelita helped to increase food production and improve the incomes of farmers. The industrialization efforts of Pelita II and subsequent plans created jobs in factories and other industries. The investments in education and healthcare during Pelita IV and later plans improved the skills and health of the workforce, making them more productive and able to earn higher incomes.

The Critics and Challenges

Now, it's important to acknowledge that the Pelita era wasn't without its critics and challenges. The New Order regime was often criticized for its authoritarian style of governance, its suppression of political dissent, and its tolerance of corruption. These issues cast a shadow over the achievements of the Pelita plans. Some critics argue that the benefits of economic growth were not evenly distributed and that the rich became richer while the poor remained poor. Others point to the environmental damage caused by industrialization and deforestation as a negative consequence of the Pelita plans. Despite these criticisms, it's undeniable that the Pelita plans had a significant impact on Indonesia's economic development and the lives of its people. The country transformed from a largely agricultural society to a more industrialized and urbanized nation. The standard of living improved for millions of Indonesians, and the country became a more important player on the global stage. The legacy of the Pelita plans continues to shape Indonesia today, and it's important to understand this history to appreciate the country's present and future.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Development

So, to wrap it up, while it's tough to pick the most successful Pelita, Pelita II and Pelita IV stand out due to their contributions to industrial development, human capital, and technology. These plans, along with the others, played a crucial role in transforming Indonesia and improving the lives of its citizens. What do you guys think? Which Pelita do you see as the most impactful, and why? Let's discuss!