Pluralism -- Beyond Unity in Diversity<\/p>\n
The Sanskrit words in the state motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,
\nwhich has been loosely translated as Unity in Diversity, will no
\ndoubt be invoked as Indonesia marks the 60th anniversary of the
\nproclamation of independence this week. Six decades is a long
\njourney for a nation whose main trait, ever since its inception
\nin 1945, is its diversity.<\/p>\n
That we have stayed as one nation through all this time, in
\nspite of forces that constantly threaten to tear us apart, is
\ncertainly worth celebrating.<\/p>\n
But let us not forget that it has taken a lot of efforts by
\npeople with such diverse backgrounds -- from culture, ethnicity
\nand religion to language, tradition and custom -- to make
\nIndonesia what it is today. Most of us probably do it
\nsubconsciously. Others, because they are more exposed to
\ndiversity for one reason or another know that they have had to
\nwork extra hard to make unity in diversity work.<\/p>\n
In this special Independence Anniversary supplement, we look
\ninto pluralism, an issue that has long been neglected but, as we
\nshall find out from the stories in the following pages, is
\nprobably the one thing that has kept people of diverse
\nbackgrounds united.<\/p>\n
These stories, which are written from the perspective of the
\ncharacters rather than of the writers, illustrate the challenges
\nof diversity at the grassroots level, and of the ways they
\novercome them.<\/p>\n
We are gratified that they consented to take part in this mini
\nproject on pluralism, to be interviewed at length and for days,
\nand for allowing our writers at times to intrude in their private
\nlives, so that we get the materials from them that tell their
\nstory as honestly and effectively as possible.<\/p>\n
One thread that runs through these stories is the message that
\nwe should not take our unity for granted. Peaceful coexistence
\nbetween people of diverse backgrounds, whether they are bound
\ntogether in marriage, in family, in community, in village, or
\ntown can only come if everyone strives to make things work. We
\nall need to build the bridges that somehow connect us in spite of
\nour differences. It may sound like a simple message, but it is an
\nimportant one.<\/p>\n
We have deliberately kept the academic discourse on pluralism
\nto the minimum, and we thank the contributors for their part in
\nexplaining the term and its importance to Indonesia. The main
\npart of this project on pluralism is the stories told of
\nfirsthand experiences of ordinary people coming to terms with
\ntheir differences. They know of the immense challenges, and they
\nhave learned, through trial and error, to deal with them.<\/p>\n
And what is true at the grassroots level is also true at the
\nnational level. If pluralism keeps together a marriage, a family,
\nor a community, then it can also keep a nation united, especially
\none that is as diverse as Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has miraculously remained intact as one nation, but
\nif it is to survive for six decades or more, merely accepting our
\ndifferences will not be sufficient. We need to go further to turn
\nevery corner of this country, from Sabang to Merauke, into a
\nbetter place to live for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity,
\nculture, language, religion, gender, generation, social and
\neconomic status.<\/p>\n
If we want to go one step beyond unity in diversity, pluralism
\nis the way forward.<\/p>\n
--Editor<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/pluralism-beyond-unity-in-diversity-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }