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Global business, government, civil society and academic leaders are meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this week for the annual World Economic Forum, and they will do so against the backdrop of a world facing major problems. The deepening sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the ongoing recession in the United States mean that the global economy is chronically ill and will only grow worse this year.

Much of the talk at Davos this week will be centered around the need for new development models, bold ideas and greater leadership. This year’s theme, “The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models” captures the purpose with which leaders must act.

The WEF annual meeting this year has four sub-themes that encapsulate the global condition. These are growth and employment; leadership and innovation models; sustainability and resource models; and social and technological models.

With much of the developed world looking at zero growth or even economic contraction over the next few years, global corporations are now desperately seeking new growth markets. Only a handful of countries and markets — Indonesia being one of them — offer that growth story.

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, speaking at a session on growth markets, noted that emerging Asia is projected to grow 7 percent this year and next. But this growth is not a given and the trajectory is not guaranteed . Much work lies ahead for the countries of East Asia and Asean in particular if t hey are to benefit from this historic opportunity.

In this context, Indonesia must do more, both to promote itself at global conferences such as the WEF and to move strongly on crucial investments in infrastructure, education, training, innovation and job creation.

Given the importance of Davos, the government and the business community must have a greater presence there. It is critical for Indonesia to fly its flag proudly and to tell its story, as few other nations can boast of transforming themselves in such a short period. Davos needs to hear Indonesia’s story.

We commend Pangestu and Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan for not just turning up but making their voices heard in various sessions. If Indonesia wants to play a bigger role in determining the future of the planet, it needs to be more engaged.