Pqncasila Birthday, Minister of Culture: Cultural Diversity Is the Glue of Indonesia

Fadli Zon emphasized that the diversity of Indonesian culture is not a source of division, but rather a major strength to maintain national unity. (IST)

JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that the diversity of Indonesian culture is not a source of division, but rather a major strength to maintain national unity.

The statement was made by Fadli when he was the master of ceremonies for the 2026 Pancasila Birthday at the Kemendikdasmen Field, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (1/6).

The ceremony was held together with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. This year's theme is "Pancasila Uniting the Nation, the Foundation of World Peace".

Fadli said Pancasila was born from the awareness of the founders of the nation that Indonesia can only stand strong if it is able to maintain unity. Moreover, this country was built on thousands of islands, tribes, languages, and traditions.

According to Fadli, history shows that Indonesia has been a target of foreign powers when the archipelago was divided and its leaders were weak.

"That is why Pancasila was born, not only as a basis for the state, but as a national adhesive and a guide to maintaining Indonesian sovereignty," said Fadli.

He said Indonesia has a long history of humanity that stands on mega diversity or cultural diversity. This diversity, in fact, gives birth to tolerance, mutual cooperation, and values that later become the basis of Pancasila.

Fadli also alluded to President Prabowo Subianto's administration. He said the government strengthened national resilience through food security, people's economy, industrial downstream, village development, Free Nutritious Meals, Red and White Village Cooperatives, and People's Schools.

According to Fadli, human resource development must remain rooted in the Pancasila values so that national progress is not only enjoyed by some groups.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat, as well as officials and employees from the three ministries.

Fadli closed his speech with an invitation to maintain Pancasila in the life of the nation and state. He hopes that Indonesia will remain united, sovereign, just, prosperous, and cultural in character.