Non-denominational faith

Non-denominational faith

There is a discussion going in the House of Representatives on
whether the non-denominational faith, which is popularly called
Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa, should be given the
same status as the five official religions in the state
guidelines for the period 1998-2003. I think that the 1945
Constitution guarantees it. The principles of Pancasila, which
commands respect at home as well as abroad, clearly underscore
the "belief in God" and not in any particular religion. I am sure
it was very deeply discussed and deliberated by our founding
fathers. It was also discussed during the last two state
guidelines.

Indonesia is the only country in the world which is religious
while having no state religion -- compared to many which are
either secular or having one of the five religions as a state
religion. The peaceful coexistence of these faiths depends on
that deeply religious decision which goes beyond name and forms
but upholds the essence of all religions, philosophies and
faiths. That was indeed a very great achievement of which
Indonesians and Indonesia's friends are proud of. In fact, if we
could anticipate the search for a model in the domain of faith
(denominational and non-denominational) Indonesia stands
unchallenged on the whole globe. Other nations would learn to
understand the Indonesian experience.

With the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st
century, humanity is passing through a critical juncture. Many
have called the coming era the era of globalization from which a
new world order will be derived. Which order do we want for our
children and grandchildren? Let us not forget that when
civilizations meet, the one which has more mastery over the
physical world (i.e. scientifically and technologically advanced)
stands in advantage. History gives us cases of civilizations
completely wiped out from the surface of the earth when facing
competition (American Indians, Egyptians, Incans, and Mayans).

More recently, colonization and the spread of the culture of
consumerism is paralyzing many countries. Only those
civilizations and countries whose culture was stronger than that
of the invading forces still stands today (Indian, Chinese, and
Indonesian cultures are the glaring examples).

Their cultural strength was mostly due to their theoretical
and practical philosophies where primordial questions -- such as
who am I, where do I come from, where am I going, what is life,
what is my place in the universe -- were answered. Language,
literature, art, music and scripture were no less important.

If Indonesia is to prosper during this globalization era, we
have no choice but to preserve our culture. And the philosophies
and practices of the non-denominational faith are deeply rooted
in it.

I am sure that the wisdom which guided our leaders in the past
is still present today. With full trust we believe that the
Kepercayaan terhadap Tuhan Yang Maha Esa will again be given its
rightful place in the next state guidelines. Let none forget that
our culture is our strength.

IWAN SUDARMANTO

Jakarta