Pancasila and Indonesia's Free and Active Foreign Policy: A Strength in Facing Global Geopolitics

Deputy Chairman of Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Panggah Susanto, says Indonesians should be grateful for the noble heritage of the nation’s founders in the form of the state philosophy Pancasila and the Free and Active Foreign Policy in responding to the dynamics of global geopolitical blocs. The Golkar politician, who also serves as the head of the party’s Ideology Reinforcement division, stated that a deep understanding and consistent implementation of these two legacies will become a source of internal strength, carried into diplomacy abroad. “A deep understanding and consistent implementation of these legacies will bring strength to the inside, while reinforcing Indonesia’s diplomacy on the international stage,” Susanto was quoted as saying in a press statement received on Wednesday (4/3). He noted that the Free and Active Foreign Policy is not merely a stance of non-alignment in the middle of rivalries among the world’s great powers. More than that, it has a solid domestic foundation rooted in the values of Pancasila. “Thus, the Free and Active policy has a strong internal base, not simply a reluctance to join Bloc A or Bloc B.” Susanto argued that in a global conflict context such as the tensions between Israel, the United States, and Iran, Indonesia’s stance emphasising humanitarianism and peace is a tangible reflection of Pancasila values. He referred to the second principle on humanity that is just and civilised, and the fourth principle which prioritises deliberation (musyawarah) and peaceful resolution over quarrels and war. Furthermore, Susanto explained that the implementation of Pancasila values and the Free and Active Foreign Policy is not limited to discourse; it must be understood and applied consistently with full conviction that the values are correct, becoming a moral force in Indonesia’s diplomacy on the international stage. He warned that the challenges Indonesia faces are not light. On the global stage, Indonesia confronts major powers from various blocs with vested interests. “Because what we face are major powers from various blocs with vested interests,” he concluded. President Prabowo Subianto has been building a national discussion space by inviting leaders across generations and party leaders to anticipate the impact of global geopolitics. Teddy said that one of the topics to be discussed with those leaders will be the current global geopolitical situation. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to invite all former presidents and vice presidents to a courtesy gathering at the Istana Negara, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening, 3 March, to discuss geopolitics.