"Our natural resources will be meaningless if we are lacking competent human resources to process the resources on our own," Fawaid stated in a written statement received here on Sunday.
He made the remark during socialisation of the four pillars of the nation in Ternate, North Maluku, on Saturday (Oct 23).
Indonesia's natural wealth had been attested by colonial powers who colonised Indonesian Archipelago in the past for its valuable spices. Mineral resources of gold, nickel, gas, and oil discovered after Indonesia's independence further proved the country's abundant natural wealth, Fawaid expounded.
The deputy speaker reminded that human resources development must also instill the nation's four pillars values of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and "unity in diversity".
"Pancasila, as our state foundation, unites various ethnic groups with diverse faiths and ideals. If we lost Pancasila, we also lost this country," he stated.
As the four pillars' values are important for nation-building, the society must comprehend and implement the values in their daily life, he added.
The Regional Autonomy Law passed in the Reform Era allowed North Maluku to separate from the Maluku Province to improve the regional governance and enhance public service and regional development, particularly to process the natural wealth in the province, Fawaid explained.
The legislature committed to supporting the government in improving human resources to enhance their competence and competitiveness, possibly by increasing the national budget allocation on education, he said.
"The choice to allocate 20 per cent of the national budget for education is feasible as we should ensure our children receive proper education to enhance their competence. If we could not process the natural resources with our own hands, other people may take over the role and take advantage of us," the deputy speaker stated.
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Translator: Fauzi, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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