Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono menjadi presiden negara Asia pertama yang mendapatkan penghargaan dari World Economic Forum. Penghargaan itu diserahkan Pendiri dan Ketua Eksekutif World Economic Forum Prof. Klaus Schwab dalam pertemuan di Manila, Filipina, hari Jumat lalu (22/5).
Staf Khusus Presiden Andi Arief berharap semoga penghargaan yang diterima SBY ini dapat menjadi semacam batu pijakan yang dapat digunakan pemerintahan baru nanti.
"Mudah-mudahan presiden mendatang akan membawa Indonesia jauh lebih baik lagi," ujar Andi Arief.
Berikut adalah pujian yang disampaikan Prof. Schwab ketika menyerahkan penghargaan itu.
Mr. President, you have contributed significantly to global dialogue on economic development and democratization, as you are here not only in your capacity as the President of Indonesia, but also as one of the Co-Chairs of the High Level Panel on the Post-2015 Millennium Development Goals agenda.
Many would describe the period of your leadership as "Indonesia's Golden Years" - a time during which Indonesia's economic growth has been one of the fastest of the G20 economies. In our annual report on Global Competitiveness, Indonesia has consistently been one of the most improved performers in the past years. (fyi - ranked 38 in 2013-14, and 50 in 2012-13).
Mr. President, you have also encountered great challenges along the way - such as the 2004 tsunami, which you handled with great statesmanship. We still remember well the partnership you launched in collaboration with the Forum for the Indonesian Disaster Resource Network to ensure that future unexpected disruptions can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Most of all, you have ensured that democracy has remained at the centre of Indonesia's political identity. You have shown, as the leader of the world's largest Muslim democracy, that there is a strong compatibility between the tenets of such a great religion with modernity, inclusion, gender equity and education.
Mr. President, your global statesmanship has been evident throughout your political career. We are proud to recognise your achievements, and the progressive force you represent for the future of your country, for the ASEAN region, and for the entire global community.
On behalf of the World Economic Forum, it is my great honor to present you with the Global Statesmanship Award. [dem]
