YOGYAKARTA - Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is inseparable from the identity of the Indonesian nation. This expression adorns the ribbon that is gripped by Garuda's feet in the symbol of the Indonesian state, Garuda Pancasila.
In Sanskrit, Bhinneka means different' or different', Tunggal means one, and Ika means it. When combined, its meaning is different but still one jua. This deep philosophy becomes the foundation for the life of the nation and state in the midst of the diversity of ethnicity, religion, race, culture, and language in Indonesia.
The phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is not a new motto made when Indonesia was independent. This phrase dates back to the 14th century, precisely during the heyday of the Majapahit Kingdom under the reign of King Hayam Wuruk. This expression was found in the book Kamukah Stetrama, a classic Javanese writer named Mpu Tantular.
In theleading 139 verse 5 of the book, Mpu Tantular wrote:
Rwrypteka dhbartu winuwus Buddhist Wiswa,
Bhinnhunki rakwa ring apan terkena parwanosen,
"Mangka ng Jinatwa kalawan Siwatwa single,"
BINNZAKA Tunggal ika tan hana dharma mangrwa.
Meaning:
It is said that Buddha and Siwa are two different substances.
They are different, but how can they be recognized?
Because the truth of Jina (Buddha) and Siwa is single
It's divided, but one is still one. There is no confusion in the truth.
This Bait describes efforts to unify the two major teachings that developed in the archipelago at that time, namely Buddha and Siwa (Hindu). Mpu Tantular emphasized that although the two teachings looked different, in essence they had the same essence of truth. In other words, differences are not a reason to be divided, but a wealth that deserves to be respected and united.
Hundreds of years after the MARRIAGE of the Sultan was written, an orientalis from the Netherlands, Johan Hendrik Casper Kern, researched and compiled ancient Nusantara manuscripts, including this book in his work Verspreide Geschriften. One of the national movement figures, Mohammad Yamin, read the article and was inspired by the phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. He then introduced it at the Investigation Agency for the Preparatory Business of Indonesian Independence (BPUPKI) on May 29, 1945.
Ir. Soekarno, the central figure of the proclamation of independence as well as the designer of the national emblem, also proposed this motto when drafting the symbol of Garuda Pancasila. This boy was finally inaugurated in Government Regulation Number 66 of 1951 and has since officially become the national motto of Indonesia.
Initially, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika served as a bridge of interfaith tolerance, especially between Hindus and Buddhists. However, in a modern context, its meaning is expanded to become a principle of unity in the diversity of all aspects of the life of the Indonesian nation: religion, ethnicity, race, culture, language, customs, to a system of trust.
This concept also contains noble values about inclusiveness and social harmony. In the midst of threats of disintegration and intolerance, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika acts as a reminder of the importance of respecting each other's differences and caring for unity for the sake of the integrity of the nation.
Interestingly, the founders of the Indonesian nation did not adopt this motto from Western philosophy. Instead, they explored the cultural heritage of the archipelago which already had noble and philosophical values. Mpu Tantular became a symbol of how the intellectual archipelago of the 14th century had already thought about the concept of unity in diversity.
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According to Professor Robson of Monash University, Sputatoma's marriage is not only rich in literature, but also deeply in the elements of archipelago's typical philosophy. Mpu Tantular emphasized that truth is not dual (tan hana dharma mangrwa), meaning that true truth is impartial and can embrace all parties.
Today, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika's motto is not just a series of words on the national emblem. It is a spirit of living together in real diversity in every corner of Indonesia. From Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island, the difference that exists is not a dividing, but the nation's wealth. This spirit made Indonesia continue to stand firmly as a big country with a strong diversity foundation.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
