National Awakening Day As Momentum Reviving Pancasila Values

JAKARTA - "What are our ideals as a nation?" This question was raised by Prof. Dr. Subroto in his book 'Indonesia in My Mind'. Behavior of the nation's children who have deviated far from the values of Pancasila raises suspicions, maybe many have forgotten or really don't know it.

If you claim to be a Godful nation, life should lead to peace, respect each other, and maintain each other's love. However, the reality is that the behavior of this nation often does not show love for fellow humans as the essence of the teachings of every religion.

"We even more often see that there are parties who deliberately ignite conflict and spread hatred everywhere on the pretext of defending God and His religion," said Subroto.

If this nation is a nation that upholds just and civilized human values, why does the judiciary actually show acts of injustice, and government political institutions produce laws and policies that often do not show sensitivity to civility, justice, and humanity?

People term our law still face down, blunt on top which means the law is cruel and sharp for the poor, but so permissive and flexible for the rich or the ruler. This is definitely not a picture of humanity," Subroto continued.

Humanity means respect for fellow humans regardless of their background. The fair and civilized are a manifestation of true humanity. Meanwhile, being civilized means respecting fellow humans and all creatures created by God. Respect fellow human beings equally. It also means mutual friendship, compassion, and parenting among fellow human beings.

If the Indonesian nation upholds unity and harmony, why do differences in belief and ethnicity still cause thousands of lives to die and thousands more are expelled from their homeland, into refugees in their own country?

In fact, it is clear that Indonesian unity is the only way to ensure a strong life of the nation and state.

Then, if the Indonesian people respect a wise deliberation system, why is the current democracy actually manipulative and treats the public no more than the numbers that can be purchased during the election?

Why is the economic system developed actually selling everything to capital owners in the world-free market system if the nation wants to achieve social justice together?

Look at the amendments to the 1945 Constitution as a state constitution that occurred from 1998 to 2002. According to Subroto, there were indeed a number of changes that were perfect, but there were also several changes that fundamentally caused the nation to fall into an ideological crisis, chaos in the political system and state administration, and the wrong direction in economic implementation.

"Showing that we no longer side with the values that are upheld on the basis of the Pancasila state, but rather lead to glorifying the values of individualism. Contrary to the spirit of togetherness and social justice," said Subroto.

Pancasila was formulated by the founding figures of the nation with the final goal of providing social justice for all Indonesian people. This is an ideal that only materializes if the four basic thoughts contained in the gem sila to the fourth become the basis for thinking and acting in the life of the nation.

That, said Subroto, should be an reflection. If things like the above are allowed and not taken seriously as a deviation from the nation's ideals, I am really worried about what life this nation will be like at 100 years of age.

Pangdam III Siliwangi Maj. Gen. Kunto Arief Wibowo, in his opinion in Kompas, also expressed similar anxiety about the current condition of the nation which is minimal in civilization and ethics. Political issues are easily provoked to be vulnerable to divisions.

Especially, ahead of the 2024 General Election. The speed up of political temperatures built and the strong exposure of the media make political communication so dynamic, volatile, as well as full of provocative content.

In fact, politics is not just talk, because there are voices that must be accounted for. Political communication must be realized and based on high awareness of the meaning of togetherness in our national unity and integrity.

If the dynamics continue to be ignored and the free provocation develops, Indonesian unity and integrity will be disrupted. This needs to be watched out for.

That is why, Kunto asked all parties to prioritize the values of Pancasila, especially the value of unity, civilization, and justice, and ethics.

"We don't question anyone who fights and whoever is a contestant. While fulfilling the requirements, please go down to the arena. Want to play honestly? Good and it has to be like that. Want to play cheating? There are rules that will limit," said Kunto.

When the cheating game has made the audience excited or even makes the audience restless and uncomfortable, then special 'therapy' must be applied. Legal rules will be used as a reference and the TNI is ready to appear as a bodyguard in that process.

Let's make National Awakening Day a momentum to revive Pancasila's values as a basis for thinking and acting in the life of the nation. United we are steadfast, our divorce is collapsed.

Happy National Awakening Day 2023, the spirit to rise.