Lighthouse politics
Lighthouse politics (Indonesian: politik mercusuar) was policy by Sukarno during the guided democracy in the 1960s aimed at making Indonesia a lighthouse or a beacon for newly independent countries in the world (New Emerging Forces) and as a large-scale development project intended to enhance Indonesia’s image in international community. Through this policy, Soekarno wanted to position Indonesia as a central axis that could illuminate the path of the New Emerging Forces (NEFO) and to make Indonesia equal to developed countries that also had major landmarks. These projects were known as Lighthouse Projects (Proyek Mercusuar) for preparation to arrange GANEFO (Games of the New Emerging Forces) as a rival to the Olympics and the 1962 Asian Games. Sukarno's ambition came true with the construction of many grandeur of building in value with romanticism of Indonesian revolution such as National Monument (Monas), Asian Games Complex in Senayan, Semanggi Bridge, Parliament Building, Sarinah Shopping Center, Istiqlal Mosque, Selamat Datang Monument, and others. [1]
Objectives
- Hosting the 1962 Asian Games and the 1st GANEFO. This project was referred to as a Lighthouse Project to prepare for the arrangement of the 1st GANEFO (Games of the New Emerging Forces) and the 1962 Asian Games.[2]
- Consolidating Power. Post-independence, these Lighthouse Projects served as a bridge to promote the idea of mobilizing strength from newly independent countries, countries still struggling for independence, socialist countries, and developing countries that were part of NEFO.
- International Recognition. It is undeniable that Sukarno wanted Indonesia to be appreciated and respected on the international stage. For the reason, he created the Lighthouse Politics and was ambitious to become the leader of NEFO so that Indonesia could be better known and respected.
- Major Projects. The Lighthouse Politics also encouraged the emergence of many major projects in Indonesia, such as international sports events by the construction of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium so that Indonesia’s position in the international arena would be considered.
- Becoming a Beacon for NEFO. Indonesia could become a lighthouse or beacon for the New Emerging Forces (NEFO), new growing powers in the world. Large and spectacular projects were successfully undertaken with the hope that Indonesia would gain a proper standing among NEFO countries.[3]
References
Template:Indonesia-politics-stub
This article "Lighthouse politics" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Lighthouse politics. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
- ↑ "Proyek Mercusuar - Ensiklopedia". esi.kemdikbud.go.id. Archived from the original on 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2026-01-13. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Media, Kompas Cyber (2021-10-05). "Proyek Mercusuar Soekarno". KOMPAS.com. Archived from the original on 2022-03-08. Retrieved 2026-01-14. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Nursani, Shafa Aulia. "Pelaksanaan Politik Mercusuar di Indonesia". detiknews (in Bahasa Indonesia). Retrieved 2026-01-14.
