Keeping the Flame of Pancasila Alive Amid the Currents of Time

Every 1st of June, the Indonesian nation commemorates a pivotal historical milestone: the Birth of Pancasila Day. On this day in 1945, Bung Karno delivered a speech that laid the foundation for Indonesia's national ideology: Pancasila. More than a mere collection of words or a constitutional formulation, Pancasila is the result of historical struggle, a reflection of diversity, and a vision of an inclusive and just future.

Yet, more than eight decades since the idea was first introduced, we must honestly ask: are we still keeping the flame of Pancasila alive? Or has it gradually become a slogan devoid of meaning, grandly displayed on institutional walls but hollow in daily practice?

Pancasila: A Meeting Point, Not a Point of Division

Indonesia is a country of thousands of islands, hundreds of ethnicities, and a multitude of religions and beliefs. Amid this complexity, Pancasila stands as a meeting point. It unites, rather than standardises. It acknowledges differences, while affirming that above all, we are one nation: Indonesia.

However, today, amid the tide of political polarisation, misinformation, and growing individualism, the values of Pancasila are often pushed to the margins. Belief in the Almighty is forgotten when we begin to idolise our own egos. Just and civilised humanity suffers when we allow injustice to pass unchallenged. The unity of Indonesia is tested by hate speech and intolerance. Popular sovereignty, meant to be guided by wisdom and deliberation, is often replaced by empty populism. And social justice remains a distant dream for many marginalised citizens.

A Reflection for All Citizens

Pancasila does not belong solely to the government, nor is it merely a school subject. It is a collective responsibility. It lives if we bring it to life; it fades if we neglect it.

Today, let us reflect:

• Have we truly upheld humanity and brotherhood, or are we consumed by arguments lacking empathy?

• Can we still recognise the face of Indonesia in the smile of a neighbour of another faith, in the greeting of a street vendor, in the toil of labourers and farmers?

• Are we brave enough to stand for justice, even if it means swimming against the tide?

Keeping the flame of Pancasila alive is not a one-off task, but a daily endeavour. It is not merely about ceremonies and speeches, but about concrete actions: acting justly, being inclusive, rejecting violence, and continually nurturing the spirit of mutual cooperation.

Pancasila as a Way of Life

As long as we still believe that Indonesia can be a peaceful and just home for all, As long as we are still willing to listen to differing voices without resorting to insults, As long as we are still prepared to place the common good above personal interests, then Pancasila is not an outdated idea, but a way of life that remains relevant and inspiring.

Let us keep the flame of Pancasila burning—not only today, but every day. For Indonesia will not become great through the sheer number of buildings and motorways, but through the strength of its people’s character, living in the spirit of Pancasila.

[Bahasa]