Salam Pancasila, Salam Pemersatu Bangsa

Summary

The script reflects on the evolution of national greetings in Indonesia, tracing the significance of the 'Merdeka' salute post-independence in 1945 and its transformation into the 'Salam Pancasila' introduced by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Both salutes serve as symbols of unity, national pride, and the ideals of independence and nationalism. The 'Merdeka' salute was initially a gesture of freedom, while the 'Salam Pancasila' emphasizes the importance of preserving Indonesia's unity through the Pancasila ideology. The script highlights the cultural and political importance of these salutes in fostering national cohesion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The proclamation of Indonesia's independence on August 17, 1945, sparked an overwhelming sense of national euphoria, which was expressed through the iconic 'Merdeka' greeting.
• 😀 The 'Merdeka' greeting became official with a government decree on August 31, 1945, symbolizing the hope and independence of the Indonesian people.
• 😀 The proper form of the 'Merdeka' greeting involves raising the right hand to ear level, palm facing forward, and shouting 'Merdeka' while doing so.
• 😀 The greeting served as a national symbol of freedom, complemented by the raising of the red and white flag across Indonesia, starting from September 1, 1945.
• 😀 Indonesia's journey of independence transitioned into new challenges, particularly maintaining unity and defending the integrity of the nation (NKRI).
• 😀 The 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, introduced a new national greeting: the 'Salam Pancasila,' to emphasize the importance of nationalism and unity.
• 😀 The 'Salam Pancasila' involves a salute-like gesture where the right hand is raised to shoulder height, with a slight gap from the forehead, accompanied by the words 'Salam Pancasila.'
• 😀 The 'Salam Pancasila' is a reminder of Indonesia's founding values, highlighting the importance of solidarity in protecting the hard-won independence.
• 😀 Both the 'Merdeka' and 'Salam Pancasila' greetings transcend religious, ethnic, and social differences, uniting all Indonesians under the common identity of being part of the nation.
• 😀 In the contemporary context, these greetings serve as symbolic acts of national unity, reinforcing Indonesia's commitment to preserving its independence and unity amidst modern challenges.
• 😀 The continued relevance of these greetings stresses the need to uphold the values of Pancasila and the nation's motto of 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity).

Q & A

What was the initial expression of national pride in Indonesia after the proclamation of independence?

After the proclamation of independence on August 17, 1945, the expression of national pride was the 'Merdeka' (Independence) greeting. It became a common phrase used by people when they met, symbolizing the euphoria and unity following Indonesia's independence.

What was the role of the government’s announcement on August 31, 1945, regarding the 'Merdeka' greeting?

The government issued an announcement on August 31, 1945, officially confirming the 'Merdeka' greeting. This decree made it a formal and recognized expression of national identity in Indonesia.

How did Soekarno envision the 'Merdeka' greeting?

Soekarno viewed the 'Merdeka' greeting as a symbol of national hope and unity, urging Indonesians to remember and honor the independence struggle every time they greeted one another with 'Merdeka.'

What was the specific gesture associated with the 'Merdeka' greeting?

The 'Merdeka' greeting involved raising the right hand to shoulder height, with the palm facing forward. This gesture, accompanied by the word 'Merdeka,' became a national symbol of independence.

What change did Megawati Soekarnoputri introduce regarding the greeting after Indonesia's independence?

Megawati Soekarnoputri, the fifth president of Indonesia, introduced the 'Salam Pancasila' (Pancasila greeting) as a way to emphasize national unity and nationalism, reminding the people of the importance of preserving the values of Pancasila in Indonesia's democracy.

What is the gesture of the 'Salam Pancasila' and how does it differ from the 'Merdeka' greeting?

The 'Salam Pancasila' involves raising the right hand to shoulder height, similar to the 'Merdeka' greeting, but with the palm facing outward and slightly away from the forehead. It is a gesture that symbolizes respect and emphasizes the values of Pancasila, the state ideology.

What does the 'Salam Pancasila' aim to remind Indonesians of?

The 'Salam Pancasila' aims to remind Indonesians of the importance of nationalism, unity, and the foundational principles of Pancasila, which are essential for maintaining the nation's independence and unity.

What key message is conveyed through both the 'Merdeka' and 'Salam Pancasila' greetings?

Both the 'Merdeka' and 'Salam Pancasila' greetings convey a message of unity and collective identity, binding all Indonesians together regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status. These greetings symbolize the commitment to preserving Indonesia's independence and national integrity.

How does the 'Salam Pancasila' reflect Indonesia’s current national challenges?

The 'Salam Pancasila' reflects Indonesia's ongoing challenge to maintain national unity and integrity in a rapidly changing world. It underscores the importance of upholding Pancasila as the ideological foundation, ensuring the country does not lose its sense of identity amidst global influences.

Why is the 'Merdeka' and 'Salam Pancasila' greeting significant in the context of Indonesia’s history and future?

These greetings are significant as they serve as enduring symbols of Indonesia's struggle for independence and its commitment to unity. In the present day, they remind citizens of their shared responsibility to preserve national sovereignty, the values of Pancasila, and the principle of 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' (Unity in Diversity).