"Nala Gareng quipped, "Imagine if your parents decided to change the household rules so you could run for bureaucrat. Sounds bonkers, right? Well, in Indonesia, it’s not just bonkers; it’s practically a national sport. The parliament decided to rewrite the election law just for the 29-year-old President’s son. Because, you know, age is just a number… unless you’re trying to be taken seriously.The parliament members, in their infinite wisdom, thought, ‘Why bother with experience or qualifications when you have a famous last name?’ It’s like they say: ‘If you want to make a good first impression, start with a good last impression!’But wait, there’s more! They also decided to tweak the rules so that anyone who opposed their plans could run for bureaucrat if they were younger than the President’s son. Talk about flipping the script! It’s like they’re saying, ‘Hey, if you’re against us, you might be a critic, but we’ll let you run for bureaucrat if you’re younger than our boy!’The protesters were not amused. They took to the streets, chanting slogans like ‘Fairness Now!’ and ‘No Nepotism ego!’ But the police were ready. They used water cannons and tear gas to remind everyone who’s boss. Because nothing says ‘democracy’ like a little bit of tear gas and some good old-fashioned Tiananmen crowd control.And then, just when it seemed like things couldn’t get any more absurd, the police arrested over 300 protesters. Now, you might wonder what exactly the police did wrong.Well, let’s see. Firstly, they arrested people without proper evidence or due process. It’s like they said, ‘Hey, we’ll just grab anyone who looks like they’re protesting and call it a day!’ This is not exactly how you handle peaceful demonstrations.Secondly, they used excessive force. Water cannons and tear gas are fine for dispersing crowds, but beating and kicking protesters? That’s just not cool. It’s like they said, ‘Hey, we’ll just show them who’s boss… by stomping on them!’Thirdly, they targeted journalists and legal observers. It’s like they said, ‘Hey, we’ll just intimidate anyone who tries to report on our shenanigans!’ This is not how you handle free speech in a democracy.And lastly, they arrested children and underage students. It’s like they said, ‘Hey, we’ll just grab anyone who looks young and call it a day!’ This is not exactly how you handle peaceful protests.In conclusion, if you ever find yourself in a situation where your parents decide to change the rules just so you can run for office, remember: it’s all just a big joke ... or is it? Maybe we should just laugh and hope that someday we’ll have a government that takes itself seriously to promote this country and its people.But wait, there’s more. The story isn’t over yet. The General Election Commission (KPU) has also started to flirt with the DPR. It’s like they’re sending each other love letters—whether it’s an invitation to flirting or an engagement—but the public can smell the stench from a mile away.It feels like now is the time to destroy arrogance and uphold social justice for all. It’s time to make sure that every vote counts and every voice is heard. No more nepotism, no more favouritism—just fairness and transparency for all.And also, this is the perfect moment to stand up for social justice, to make sure that power doesn’t corrupt and that everyone has an equal chance to participate in democracy,' concluded Nala Gareng.""Technological and military advancements are typically seen as strengths for a nation, but they can also contribute to its weakening under certain conditions," said Cattleya."Technological and military advancements refer to progress and innovations in technology and defence capabilities that can impact various aspects of society, governance, and international relations. Development of the internet, smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics have revolutionized communication, information sharing, and data processing. They enable greater connectivity, efficiency, and automation but also pose risks related to cybersecurity, privacy, and digital inequality. Biotechnology such as Genetic engineering, CRISPR technology, and advancements in medical diagnostics and treatments, has the potential to transform healthcare by enabling personalized medicine, improved treatments, and disease prevention. However, it also raises ethical concerns and can lead to issues like genetic discrimination.Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. They contribute to sustainability but also require significant investment and can disrupt traditional energy sectors. Automation like industrial robots, autonomous vehicles, and drones, increases efficiency and productivity in manufacturing and other industries. However, it can also lead to job displacement and requires careful management of workforce transitions.The technologies such as precision-guided munitions, nuclear weapons, and hypersonic missiles, enhance a nation's military capabilities, improving accuracy and range. They also contribute to global arms races and increase the potential for devastating conflicts. Cyber warfare, for example: cyberattacks, espionage, and digital surveillance, involves using digital tools to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to information systems. It can undermine national security and critical infrastructure, posing significant threats to both military and civilian targets. AI-driven surveillance, autonomous drones, and decision-support systems enhance military capabilities by improving data analysis, targeting precision, and operational efficiency. However, it raises ethical questions and potential risks related to autonomous decision-making in warfare. Space technology like Satellite communication, space-based missile defence systems, and space exploration, provides strategic advantages for communication, navigation, and reconnaissance. It also introduces new domains for conflict and requires international cooperation and regulation.While technological and military advancements can provide significant advantages, they also introduce new risks and vulnerabilities. For instance, reliance on advanced technology can lead to cybersecurity threats, and military advancements can spur arms races and global tensions.Technological and military advancements can have profound ethical and social implications. Issues such as privacy, surveillance, and the moral use of military technologies need careful consideration. Both technological and military advancements often require substantial financial investment. Balancing these investments with other societal needs is crucial to avoid economic imbalances and potential negative consequences.Overall, technological and military advancements drive progress but also necessitate thoughtful management and regulation to mitigate associated risks and challenges.As nations become more dependent on advanced technology, they also become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. A successful cyberattack on critical infrastructure, such as power grids, communication systems, or financial institutions, can cripple a nation. As a nation integrates advanced technology into its critical infrastructure, the risk of cyberattacks increases. Essential services like power grids, transportation, and financial systems become targets for hackers, which can disrupt the entire nation. In 2015, Ukraine experienced a massive power outage due to a cyberattack on its power grid. This attack, attributed to Russian hackers, left around 230,000 people without electricity. The event highlighted how overreliance on technology can expose a nation's infrastructure to severe vulnerabilities.Heavy reliance on automation and technology can lead to a decline in critical human skills. If technology fails or is compromised, the workforce might not be equipped to manage without it. Dependence on automation and technology can lead to the loss of essential skills within the workforce. If the technology fails, the workforce may not be equipped to handle tasks manually, leading to operational breakdowns. In manufacturing, the widespread use of robotics and automated systems has led to a decline in manual labour skills. If a factory's automated systems are disrupted by a cyberattack or technical failure, the lack of skilled workers to perform tasks manually could halt production entirely.Massive investment in military advancements can drain resources from other critical areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This can lead to economic imbalances and neglect of essential public services. The Soviet Union during the Cold War is a classic example. The USSR’s focus on military spending to keep up with the U.S. in the arms race strained its economy. The neglect of consumer goods and services contributed to economic stagnation, which eventually played a role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.Advancing military technology often requires substantial financial investment. This can lead to significant national debt, particularly if the economy cannot sustain such spending levels without cutting into other critical areas. The United States has faced growing concerns over its national debt, partially due to extensive military spending. The cost of maintaining advanced military technologies, coupled with other government expenditures, has contributed to a debt level that some economists warn could pose long-term risks to the U.S. economy.Technological advancements can lead to a widening gap between different segments of society. Those who lack access to new technologies may find themselves economically disadvantaged, leading to social unrest. In many developing countries, the digital divide is a significant issue. Urban areas may benefit from technological advancements like high-speed internet and smart infrastructure, while rural areas are left behind. This disparity can lead to increased migration to cities, social tensions, and protests, as seen in countries like India.New military technologies, such as drones or autonomous weapons, raise significant ethical questions. The potential for misuse or accidents can lead to loss of life and international backlash. The use of drones in counterterrorism operations by the U.S. has been controversial. While effective in eliminating targets, drone strikes have also resulted in civilian casualties. This has sparked debates over the ethics of using such technology, with critics arguing that it can lead to extrajudicial killings and violate international law.When one nation advances its military technology, others may feel compelled to do the same, leading to an arms race. This can increase global tensions and the likelihood of conflict. The Cold War saw a significant arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, particularly in nuclear weapons. This rivalry led to global tensions that brought the world close to nuclear war during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. The arms race strained both economies and kept the world in a state of constant fear.A nation that aggressively pursues military advancements may alienate its allies and provoke its adversaries. This can lead to diplomatic isolation, reducing the nation's influence on the global stage. North Korea’s focus on developing nuclear weapons has led to its isolation from much of the international community. Despite its military advancements, the country faces severe economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation, limiting its influence globally and weakening its economy.A powerful military-industrial complex can exert significant influence over national policy, sometimes prioritizing military needs over public welfare. This can lead to imbalances and public dissatisfaction. In the United States, the military-industrial complex has been criticized for its influence on government policy. This was famously warned about by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his 1961 farewell address. Critics argue that this influence has led to unnecessary military spending and interventions,When a government concentrates power in the hands of those controlling advanced military technologies, it can lead to authoritarianism. This can stifle democracy and create internal conflicts. In Egypt, military leaders have historically played a significant role in governance. The military’s control over advanced technology and resources has allowed it to maintain power, even at the expense of democratic processes. This has led to periods of authoritarian rule and social unrest, as seen in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. diverting resources from domestic needs like healthcare and education.Technological advancements can disrupt established industries, leading to job losses and economic instability. If the workforce is not retrained, this can create long-term unemployment and social issues. The rise of automation and AI in manufacturing has led to significant job losses in traditional industries like automotive manufacturing. In regions like the Rust Belt in the U.S., this has caused economic decline and social challenges, as workers struggle to find new employment opportunities.Relying on foreign technology, especially in critical sectors like defence, can be a strategic vulnerability. If diplomatic relations sour or supply chains are disrupted, a nation’s security and economy could be at risk. Europe’s dependency on Russian energy technology and resources has been a significant concern, especially during the Ukraine conflict. The reliance on Russian gas has left several European nations vulnerable to supply disruptions and political pressure, highlighting the risks of depending on foreign technology for critical needs.Handling the challenges posed by technological and military advancements requires a multifaceted approach that balances innovation with security, ethics, and societal well-being. Nations should invest in building and maintaining strong cybersecurity frameworks to protect critical infrastructure, government systems, and private sector networks from cyber threats. Implement regular security audits and ensure that systems are consistently updated to protect against emerging threats. Educate citizens and organizations about cybersecurity best practices to reduce vulnerabilities related to human error.Creating and enforcing ethical guidelines for the development and use of advanced technologies, especially in areas like AI, biotechnology, and autonomous weapons. Implementing regulations that govern the deployment of new technologies to prevent misuse, protect privacy, and ensure safety. Working with international bodies to develop and adopt global standards for ethical technology use, especially in military applications.Focus on retraining and upskilling workers to adapt to changes brought by automation and other technological advancements. This helps mitigate job displacement and ensures a resilient workforce. Encourage innovation not only in defence and technology sectors but also in healthcare, education, and renewable energy to create a balanced and sustainable economy. Ensure that military expenditures are balanced with investments in other critical areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure to avoid economic strain.Actively participate in international arms control agreements to prevent arms races and reduce the risk of military conflicts. Work with other nations to address global security challenges, including cyber threats and the militarization of space. Use diplomatic channels to reduce tensions with other nations, particularly those that could lead to military confrontations.Invest in research and development (R&D) to reduce dependency on foreign technology, especially in critical areas like cybersecurity, defence, and infrastructure. Foster collaboration between the government and private sector to drive innovation and ensure that technological advancements align with national interests. Develop resilient and secure supply chains for essential technologies to reduce vulnerabilities from global disruptions or geopolitical tensions.Implement policies to ensure equitable access to technology across all segments of society, reducing inequality and social tensions. Encourage public engagement and dialogue on the societal impacts of technological and military advancements to ensure that decisions reflect broader societal values and concerns. Counter misinformation and promote accurate, responsible reporting on the impacts of technological and military advancements.Conduct scenario planning exercises to anticipate and prepare for future technological and military challenges, including potential cyberattacks, economic disruptions, or new forms of warfare. Fund research into emerging threats, such as cyber warfare, bioterrorism, and climate-related security risks, to develop proactive strategies for mitigation. Establish rapid response mechanisms and crisis management frameworks to deal with emergencies arising from technological failures or military conflicts.Invest in academic research and policy think tanks to explore the long-term impacts of technological and military advancements and develop evidence-based strategies for managing them. Promoting leadership that prioritizes ethical considerations in the development and deployment of new technologies and military strategies. The latter is very important and has become a demand in the current era in all fields. Ethical leadership is the practice of leading an organization or group based on principles of integrity, fairness, and responsibility. Ethical leaders prioritize doing what is right, even when it may not be the easiest or most profitable path. They make decisions that reflect moral values and consider the impact on all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community. By setting a strong ethical example, these leaders foster a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability, which can lead to long-term success and a positive organizational reputation. Ethical leadership also involves encouraging others to act ethically and creating an environment where ethical behaviour is recognized and rewarded.A state that becomes diplomatically isolated may struggle to defend itself or maintain economic stability. Prolonged economic or political sanctions can weaken a state, leading to collapse. We will continue the discussion on the topic of diplomatic isolation. Biidhnillah."Then Cattleya recited a poem,With wisdom, we advance in tech and might,To shield our world and keep our future bright.Let progress serve both humankind and earth,In harmony, we find our greatest worth.
Citations & References:
- Harry McCallion, A History of Modern Mercenary Warfare, 2023, Pen & Sword Military
- Paul J. Springer, Outsourcing War to Machines: The Military Robotics Revolution, 2018, Praeger
- Jonathan Parshall & Anthony Tully, The Shattered Sword: The Untold Story of the Battle of Midway, 2007, Potomac Books
- P.W. Singer, Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century, 2009, The Penguin Press
- John Lewis Gaddis, The Cold War: A New History, 2005, The Penguin Press
