Pluralism -- Beyond Unity in Diversity

Pluralism -- Beyond Unity in Diversity

The Sanskrit words in the state motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,
which has been loosely translated as Unity in Diversity, will no
doubt be invoked as Indonesia marks the 60th anniversary of the
proclamation of independence this week. Six decades is a long
journey for a nation whose main trait, ever since its inception
in 1945, is its diversity.

That we have stayed as one nation through all this time, in
spite of forces that constantly threaten to tear us apart, is
certainly worth celebrating.

But let us not forget that it has taken a lot of efforts by
people with such diverse backgrounds -- from culture, ethnicity
and religion to language, tradition and custom -- to make
Indonesia what it is today. Most of us probably do it
subconsciously. Others, because they are more exposed to
diversity for one reason or another know that they have had to
work extra hard to make unity in diversity work.

In this special Independence Anniversary supplement, we look
into pluralism, an issue that has long been neglected but, as we
shall find out from the stories in the following pages, is
probably the one thing that has kept people of diverse
backgrounds united.

These stories, which are written from the perspective of the
characters rather than of the writers, illustrate the challenges
of diversity at the grassroots level, and of the ways they
overcome them.

We are gratified that they consented to take part in this mini
project on pluralism, to be interviewed at length and for days,
and for allowing our writers at times to intrude in their private
lives, so that we get the materials from them that tell their
story as honestly and effectively as possible.

One thread that runs through these stories is the message that
we should not take our unity for granted. Peaceful coexistence
between people of diverse backgrounds, whether they are bound
together in marriage, in family, in community, in village, or
town can only come if everyone strives to make things work. We
all need to build the bridges that somehow connect us in spite of
our differences. It may sound like a simple message, but it is an
important one.

We have deliberately kept the academic discourse on pluralism
to the minimum, and we thank the contributors for their part in
explaining the term and its importance to Indonesia. The main
part of this project on pluralism is the stories told of
firsthand experiences of ordinary people coming to terms with
their differences. They know of the immense challenges, and they
have learned, through trial and error, to deal with them.

And what is true at the grassroots level is also true at the
national level. If pluralism keeps together a marriage, a family,
or a community, then it can also keep a nation united, especially
one that is as diverse as Indonesia.

Indonesia has miraculously remained intact as one nation, but
if it is to survive for six decades or more, merely accepting our
differences will not be sufficient. We need to go further to turn
every corner of this country, from Sabang to Merauke, into a
better place to live for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity,
culture, language, religion, gender, generation, social and
economic status.

If we want to go one step beyond unity in diversity, pluralism
is the way forward.

--Editor