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