PDI-P on Pancasila Day: Democratic State Must Not Fear Criticism

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Yulius Setiarto, a member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, stressed the importance of safeguarding space for criticism and freedom of expression in Indonesia’s democratic life. According to the PDI-P legislator, a healthy democracy must not fear criticism or differing opinions, but rather requires open dialogue. ‘Criticism and differing opinions must not be seen as threats. A healthy democracy needs open dialogue, freedom of expression, and mutual respect in public life,’ Yulius said during the Pancasila Day commemoration at the PDI-P Party School on Monday, 1 June 2026. The state must ensure democracy functions healthily and the law serves as a tool of justice for all citizens. Yulius added that the government’s ability to listen to criticism is a measure of democratic maturity. ‘Development must guarantee welfare that can be felt by the people, democracy must continue to provide space for participation and criticism, and the law must be a tool of justice,’ he stated. Pancasila, he said, must not remain a mere slogan or annual ceremony but must guide every public policy formulation. ‘This republic needs a state that listens, fair laws, humane development, and a democracy unafraid of criticism. This is how we bring Pancasila to life in nation-building and governance,’ he concluded.