Maruli calls on Gen Z to uphold Pancasila as guiding principle in digital age

Medan (ANTARA) - House of Representatives Commission XIII member Maruli Siahaan has called on Generation Z to adopt Pancasila values as a guiding principle for preserving national unity in the digital age. Maruli stated that Generation Z plays a strategic role in shaping Indonesia’s future, with a population of approximately 75.49 million, or 27.94% of the total population, according to the 2020 Census. “Gen Z is a large generation that will greatly determine Indonesia’s future,” Maruli said in a statement issued in Medan on Monday. He urged young people to embody Pancasila through concrete daily actions, such as using social media to spread positivity, avoiding provocation from hoaxes and hate speech, and respecting differences. According to Maruli, understanding Pancasila does not require formal gestures but can be demonstrated through honesty, tolerance, creativity, discipline, and collaboration for the greater good. He noted that Pancasila remains relevant as a moral compass amid technological advancements, social media use, political differences, economic pressures, and global challenges. Maruli also highlighted that the 2026 Pancasila Day theme, ‘Pancasila: Unifier of the Nation, Foundation of World Peace’, is highly relevant to current conditions. “This means Pancasila is not just the state’s foundation but also a bridge that unites differences in ethnicity, religion, culture, political views, and social backgrounds of Indonesian society,” he said.