Deputy Chairman of Commission IV: Pancasila Is Indonesia's Strength in Facing Global Geopolitics

Jakarta — The Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Panggah Susanto, has emphasised that the Indonesian nation should be grateful for the cherished heritage of the founding fathers in the form of the state ideology Pancasila and Indonesia’s Free and Active Foreign Policy in responding to dynamics of global geopolitics. The Golkar politician said that a deep understanding and consistent implementation of these two legacies will be a source of inner strength carried into international diplomacy. ‘A deep understanding and consistent implementation of these two legacies will bring strength into the nation, while strengthening Indonesia’s diplomacy amidst the international community,’ Panggah said in a written statement on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. He noted that the Free and Active Foreign Policy is not merely an attitude of not aligning with any bloc amid the rivalries of major powers. More than that, the policy has a solid domestic foundation derived from Pancasila values. ‘Thus the Free and Active Foreign Policy has a strong internal basis, not just about not taking sides with this bloc or that bloc,’ he explained. In the context of global conflicts such as the tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran, Indonesia’s stance emphasising humanitarianism and peace reflects the tangible embodiment of Pancasila values. He referred to the second principle, ‘just and civilised humanity’, and the fourth principle, which prioritises deliberation and peaceful settlement over dispute and war. ‘Indonesia’s stance is in line with Pancasila,’ he asserted. Furthermore, Panggah explained that the implementation of Pancasila values and the Free and Active Foreign Policy is not limited to discourse; they must be understood and carried out consistently, with a firm belief in the truth of Pancasila values, which will become a moral force in Indonesia’s diplomacy on the international stage. He added that the challenges Indonesia faces are not light. On the global stage, Indonesia confronts the great powers of various blocs laden with strategic interests. ‘Because what we face are the great powers from various blocs with vested interests,’ he concluded.