Memaknai Nilai Luhur Pancasila

Summary

This interview with historian Asvi Warman Adam delves into the historical significance of Pancasila, Indonesia’s foundational philosophy. Asvi discusses the long journey to officially recognizing June 1 as Pancasila Day, a process that spanned decades, marked by political resistance, particularly during the New Order era. He highlights the role of Sukarno in shaping Pancasila and the importance of uniting the nation. The conversation also touches on efforts by the current government to promote Pancasila's values, especially among younger generations, amid concerns over growing societal divisions and the misuse of social media.

Takeaways

• 📅 The celebration of Pancasila Day on June 1st was only officially reinstated last year by Presidential Decree No. 24 after being suppressed during the New Order era.
• 🎤 There was an effort during the New Order regime to downplay Soekarno's role in the Pancasila speech, attributing the foundation to others such as Yamin and Supomo.
• 📜 Soekarno's speech on June 1, 1945, was the first to outline the concept of Pancasila as the foundation for the Indonesian state, which later became the basis of the nation's Constitution.
• 🏛️ The speech was delivered during a session of BPUPKI in what is now known as the Pancasila Building, receiving widespread applause and recognition from the assembly.
• ⏳ The process of recognizing Pancasila as the state foundation spanned from June 1 to August 18, 1945, culminating with the establishment of the 1945 Constitution.
• 💡 The reinstatement of Pancasila Day reflects a broader desire during the Reformasi era to correct historical narratives and restore Soekarno's contribution.
• 🌍 Pancasila has historically been recognized as a unifying principle for Indonesia, especially during times of internal conflict, offering a philosophical foundation for national unity.
• 📖 In the past, the education system treated Pancasila as rote memorization, but current efforts aim to reintroduce its values in a more engaging and dialogical manner.
• 👥 President Jokowi has encouraged national figures, including religious leaders, to take an active role in promoting Pancasila and its values as part of national education and governance.
• 📱 Social media and modern communication channels are seen as key tools in spreading awareness and instilling Pancasila values among the younger generation.

Q & A

Why was June 1st established as Pancasila Day only recently?

June 1st was established as Pancasila Day by a presidential decree in 2016 because, during the New Order era, the commemoration was banned. Efforts to restore it began in the early Reform era but faced resistance until President Joko Widodo officially designated it.

What was the significance of President Soekarno’s speech on June 1st, 1945?

Soekarno's speech on June 1st, 1945, was crucial as it introduced the concept of Pancasila as the foundational philosophy of Indonesia. The speech, known as the 'Birth of Pancasila,' laid the groundwork for the nation's principles.

What challenges did Pancasila face during the New Order era?

During the New Order era, there was an attempt to downplay Soekarno's role in the creation of Pancasila, attributing it instead to other figures like Yamin and Supomo. This led to a long period where Pancasila was not commemorated properly.

How did the Reform era contribute to the recognition of Pancasila’s historical significance?

The Reform era rekindled the desire to correct historical narratives, leading to discussions about reinstating June 1st as Pancasila Day. This effort culminated in the official recognition by President Joko Widodo in 2016.

What was the role of the BPUPKI meeting in the history of Pancasila?

The BPUPKI meeting, held at the Pancasila Building, was where Soekarno delivered his historic speech introducing Pancasila. The speech was well-received, with numerous applause, indicating its significant impact.

Why did President SBY not designate June 1st as Pancasila Day during his tenure?

President SBY refrained from designating June 1st as Pancasila Day due to opposition, including a letter from Amien Rais (referred to as AM Fatwa in the transcript), which influenced his decision to delay the recognition.

What are the key elements of the Presidential Regulation issued by Joko Widodo regarding Pancasila?

The Presidential Regulation issued by Joko Widodo established a body to promote Pancasila values, focusing on integrating these values into education, government policies, and societal norms, while avoiding the outdated methods of mass indoctrination.

How has the role of Pancasila evolved in Indonesian society according to the transcript?

The role of Pancasila has shifted from being a tool of political indoctrination during the New Order to a more holistic approach aimed at unifying the nation and countering divisive forces like hate speech and extremism.

Why is the reintroduction of Pancasila considered crucial in modern Indonesia?

The reintroduction of Pancasila is seen as essential to counter modern challenges such as societal division and the rise of hate speech, ensuring national unity and reinforcing the country's foundational principles.

What role does social media play in the promotion of Pancasila according to the discussion?

Social media is highlighted as a critical platform for spreading Pancasila values, especially among the younger generation, and it is considered essential to regulate and guide online discourse to prevent the erosion of national unity.