Pancasila's noble values

Pancasila's noble values

From Media Indonesia

I am a layman in politics but I feel tempted to comment on Sarwono Kusumaatmadja's statement in which he said that the Pancasila philosophy is excessively protected by the government, so that Pancasila, as an ideology, has become lonely and therefore needs a challenge. (Media Indonesia, Feb.19.)

In my opinion the values of Pancasila are part of the soul of Indonesians, whether they are conscious or not of the philosophy. The people in rural areas may not know by heart the various points of Pancasila, but in daily life, they practice Pancasila values.

A rival ideology for Pancasila is only for the consumption of politicians. It will not benefit the people's welfare. It will be far more useful if Pancasila's noble values are implemented as an integral whole.

For example, is it appropriate to continue laying heavy duties on one citizen, the President. How does this relate to the aspect of a just and civilized humanity as contained in Pancasila?

AMIR SYARIF

Jakarta