Pancasila philosophy

Pancasila philosophy

From Kompas

Our country has high principles, probably even the highest in
the world, i.e. Pancasila (five basic principles) philosophy and
the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity) motto.

It is deplorable that their implementation is well below
expectation. In the New Order era, Pancasila and guidelines for
the comprehension and practical application of Pancasila (P4)
were apparently only studied to be quoted by rote and leaders did
not sufficiently serve as examples in practice.

Recent happenings have torn apart the principles of Pancasila
and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, namely in the deaths of a number of
people as if their lives were expendable, whereas one of the
principles of Pancasila is "a just and civilized humanity".

Also, Chinese-Indonesians were the victims of lootings and
torchings of their shops, whereas Bhinneka Tunggal Ika does not
allow the discrimination of ethnicity, religion and skin color.
The essence is that we must agree to be united in our differences
because we are one nation, the Indonesian nation.

The burning of a number of churches in various cities and a
number of mosques in Kupang has clearly violated Bhinneka Tunggal
Ika and shown the skin-deep observation of Pancasila and Bhinneka
Tunggal Ika.

The happenings denote a deterioration of the situation. They
have also discredited the country abroad. The events were widely
reported on foreign television. Some countries have advised their
citizens not to travel to Jakarta. Foreigners when meeting
Indonesians often ask why Indonesians have become ferocious when
they were formerly known to be refined, polite and kind?

We need to implement Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in our
daily life.

F. PUDIYANTO S.

Jakarta