Pancasila and Cultural Consensus

KOMPAS/RIZA FATHONI

National figures, writers and cultural observers (from left) Mohammad Sobary, Taufik Abdullah, Damhuri Muhammad, Erros Djarot and Radhar Panca Dahana participate in the “Indonesian Cultural Consensus: What does Indonesian Culture Mean?” panel discussion on Oct. 18, 2018 at the Bentara Budaya Jakarta cultural space. Damhuri Muhammad moderated the discussion.

We emphasize the conclusion of the Indonesian Cultural Consensus (MBI) General Assembly, namely that the state ideology Pancasila is the core essence of Indonesia’s noble values. Pancasila also serves as the bedrock of the state’s life.

At a time when intolerance lurks at every corner and disruptive ideologies seek to undermine our nation-state, Pancasila’s relevance soars high. As a life philosophy and worldview, we are in need of it more than ever.

However, on the other hand, we may ask why this state ideology that we have concluded as the core essence of our nation’s noble values has yet to be internalized within the souls of every child of the nation?

The MBI formulators, as we read in this daily on Monday (26/11/2018), said that what we need right now is a definition of Pancasila that does not indoctrinate the people, so that it can become a cross-generational ideology for the nation.

We realize that in the age of openness and globalization, Pancasila also faces competition from other ideologies. Some say that there are other ideologies more suitable for them, religiously or culturally.

However, we need to emphasize that, as a formal ideology, Pancasila is final. It is complete. We can even go one step further by declaring that the state ideology was final the day it was established as part of the Constitution, on Aug. 18, 1945.

Therefore, every attempt to change the state ideology is a principle violation against the national agreement made 73 years ago.

It is our hope that Pancasila will be internalized by the younger generations, including the millennials in whom our nation’s future depends. Other than their familiarity with contemporary developments and competencies, we hope that these millennials will live and grow within the mindset of Pancasila.

The MBI has recommended amendments to the 1945 Constitution based on values of democracy, pluralism, local wisdom and accommodation for science and technological advancements. It is proper to include our hope that such conditions are placed in the context of Pancasila as the foundation of the nation-state’s life.

We hope the virtuous and visionary principles included in the Pecenongan Declaration will be promoted, heard and internalized by all elements of the nation.

Only then can we imagine an Indonesia that is united, progressive, safe and prosperous.