The ecological disaster in Sumatra in December 2025 exemplifies the failure of the capitalist developmentalist ideology focused on high economic growth. For decades, numerous countries, including Indonesia, have been captivated by the myth of high growth as a solution to social issues, despite expert warnings about its pitfalls, as articulated by figures like E.F. Schumacher and the Club of Rome. Their insights emphasize a need for environmentally friendly, ethical economic models that prioritize small industries and community well-being over extractive pursuits.
Current global ecological crises—including pollution, ecosystem destruction, and the climate crisis—negatively affect sustainability, disproportionately harming the poor, who struggle to adapt. The wealth gap is widening, with the richest 10% controlling a disproportionate share of global assets while poverty persists.
To counter the detrimental effects of the high-growth model, alternatives such as a “degrowth” approach are suggested, promoting non-extractive economies centered around sustainable agriculture and community-based tourism. By leveraging Indonesia’s natural resources and ensuring quality education and health standards, it is believed that economic independence and social equity can be achieved. This approach calls for environmental management to be integrated into economic growth, focusing on quality of life rather than mere material wealth.
