Pancasila dan Agama

Summary

This script discusses the pivotal role of religion in Indonesian history and its integration into the nation's foundational philosophy, Pancasila. It highlights the debates during the BPUPKI sessions where Islam and nationalism contended for the state's basis. Soekarno's Pancasila, initially placing nationalism first, was later modified to prioritize belief in God, reflecting the diverse religious landscape. The script emphasizes the importance of interpreting Pancasila with a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, as Indonesia's religious plurality should be a source of unity, not division.

Takeaways

• 😀 Religion has always played a central role in Indonesian society, as discussed in the debates of the BPUPKI.
• 🏛️ The founding fathers of Indonesia, including Soekarno, recognized the importance of religion but sought to balance it with nationalism and secular principles in the Pancasila.
• 🌟 Soekarno's original Pancasila did not place belief in God (Ketuhanan) as the first principle but emphasized nationalism and unity first to accommodate the diverse religious views in Indonesia.
• 🔄 There was a significant debate between Islamic groups who wanted Islam as the state's foundation and nationalist groups who advocated for a fully secular state.
• 🔄 The Pancasila, as formulated by Soekarno, was later modified to place Ketuhanan as the first principle, reflecting the centrality of religious belief in the nation's life.
• 📚 The interpretation of Pancasila, especially the first principle, has been a subject of contestation among different religious groups, each emphasizing their own understanding of 'Ketuhanan'.
• 📖 Figures like Hamka and JWM Bakar contributed to the discourse by writing books that responded to the dominant Islamic interpretation of Pancasila, advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding.
• 🏢 During Soeharto's New Order, religion was used as a tool for control, with policies like the 'SARA' policy to suppress discussions of ethnicity, religion, and other social divisions.
• 🔍 The New Order regime also influenced the practice of religion by making religious education mandatory in schools and using it as a tool to counter communism and ensure loyalty to the state.
• 🌐 The script emphasizes the importance of tolerance and mutual respect in practicing religion within the diverse Indonesian society, aligning with the original spirit of Pancasila as a unifying force.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the discussion in the script?

The central theme of the discussion is the role of religion in the foundation of the Indonesian nation, particularly focusing on Pancasila and the debates surrounding it during the BPUPKI sessions.

What is Pancasila?

Pancasila is the philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state, consisting of five principles that guide the nation's politics and social life.

Why was the position of religion in Pancasila a contentious issue during the BPUPKI sessions?

Religion was a contentious issue because Indonesia is a diverse nation with different religious beliefs, and there was a significant debate between those who wanted Islam as the state religion and those who advocated for a secular state.

Who were the two dominant groups in the BPUPKI sessions?

The two dominant groups were the Islamic group and the nationalist group.

What was Soekarno's approach to addressing the issue of religion in Pancasila?

Soekarno proposed a proportional approach to religion in Pancasila, emphasizing national unity and placing 'kebangsaan' or nationalism as the first principle, with 'ketuhanan' or belief in God as the fifth.

What does the term 'Ketuhanan yang maha esa' mean and why is it significant?

The term 'Ketuhanan yang maha esa' translates to 'the supreme one God' and is significant because it represents the principle of monotheism in Pancasila, which is meant to be inclusive of all monotheistic faiths in Indonesia.

How did the interpretation of Pancasila change over time?

Over time, the interpretation of Pancasila, particularly the first principle regarding 'Ketuhanan yang maha esa', evolved from Soekarno's version, which placed it last, to a modified version where it was placed first, reflecting the centrality of belief in God in the lives of the Indonesian people.

What is the significance of the book 'Akar Tunggal Pancasila' by Hamka?

The book 'Akar Tunggal Pancasila' by Hamka is a response to Soekarno's speech, emphasizing that for Muslims, all actions and beliefs stem from the principle of tauhid (the oneness of God), which is the foundation of the first principle of Pancasila according to Hamka.

How did the New Order government under Soeharto manage the role of religion?

During the New Order government, religion was used as a tool for control. Policies like the 'SARA' policy were implemented to manage diversity, and religion was emphasized to ensure loyalty and to counter communism.

What is the 'SARA' policy mentioned in the script?

The 'SARA' policy refers to the Indonesian government's approach to managing social diversity based on ethnicity, religion, race, and inter-group relations, which was used to suppress open discussions about these topics to prevent conflict.

How did the fall of Soeharto impact the role of religion in Indonesia?

The fall of Soeharto led to a reevaluation of the role of religion in Indonesia, with a shift towards more open discussions about religious diversity and a move away from the use of religion as a tool for political control.