The commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day on Oct. 1, 2017, feels more important than ever as it is a day to affirm Indonesia’s state ideology.
This year, Pancasila Sanctity Day is commemorated as the nation is torn apart, with its children facing divisive issues amid fears of a revival of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), an invitation to watch the propaganda film Penumpasan Pengkhianatan G30S/PKI (The Treachery of G30S/PKI) and a controversy surrounding weapons procurement that overshadowed the day’s celebrations.
The Pancasila ideology, which has since the 1998 reform rarely been discussed openly, started to color public discourse since June 1, 2017. Pancasila has become the focus of attention of the elite again amid the rampant appearance of anti-Pancasila ideologies in issues related to radicalism and communism.
In the socio-political background of the nation, we see that the commemoration of Pancasila Sanctity Day has found its momentum. Pancasila is still an ideology that unites the children of the nation, under which they all can take shelter. A decree of the Provisional People\'s Consultative Assembly (MPRS) clearly mentions that communist and PKI ideologies are banned in Indonesia. Pancasila has been proven to be tough in facing various rebellions in the country.
Pancasila as an ideology and foundation of the state is final. Pancasila must unite, not divide the community. Pancasila has to embrace all the children of the nation, who have been diverse since its independence. It is time for us to build the politics of hope and not the politics of fear that draws us back to the past.
Now, we must work to understand how Pancasila’s values can be realized in daily life. Exemplary endeavors by the elites are badly needed. The elite\'s statements must be wise and measured, thereby strengthening the unity of the nation, not weaken it.
All problems faced by the elite or elite institutions should be settled with a genuine spirit to resolve them, not politicize them. Deviations need correction. The shortcomings of regulations must improved. Sitting together in search for solutions and jointly giving explanations to the public about what is going on constitute exemplary endeavors of the elite of the nation.
The spirit to sit together and jointly search for solutions can prevent state institutions from being utilized by various parties. The deconstruction efforts will only weaken these institutions. The leadership of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as the head of the government and head of state is needed to settle problems among state institutions under the control of the president.
