Why Pancasila Day was declared a national holiday during Jokowi's presidency

Pancasila Day, observed annually on 1 June, is commemorated by the government and all segments of society. The observance serves not only to recall historical events but also to reaffirm the foundational values underpinning the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). On 1 June 1945, Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, delivered a speech during the session of the Preparatory Body for Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI). In his address, Soekarno outlined the nation’s foundational principles for the soon-to-be-independent Indonesia. The concept he presented became known as Pancasila, serving as the ideological bedrock of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This 1945 speech marked a pivotal moment in shaping Indonesia’s national foundation and is regarded as the origin of the term ‘Pancasila’, derived from Sanskrit: ‘panca’ meaning five and ‘sila’ signifying principles or foundations. Since then, Pancasila has served as the ideological cornerstone for the Indonesian nation, guiding its social and political life. In 2016, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the seventh president, signed Presidential Decree No. 24 of 2016, designating 1 June as Pancasila Day and a national public holiday. Jokowi stated that the decision followed thorough deliberation. Following the establishment of the day, the government continues efforts to ‘embed’ Pancasila in national life.