Sultan: Pancasila Contains Universal Peace And Prosperity Mission

Chairman of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, emphasized that Pancasila is not only the ideology of the state, but also a mission of peace and universal prosperity.

This statement was conveyed in the commemoration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) and International Day for Human Fraternity (IDHF) organized by the Center for Dialogue and Cooperation Among Civilizations (CDCC) with the Inter Religious Council (IRC) Indonesia and DPD RI at Nusantara IV Building, MPR/DPR/DPD RI Complex, Jakarta, Sunday, February 9.

Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin stressed that Pancasila contains values that are able to bridge differences and build harmony in the midst of global diversity. According to him, in the midst of increasing discrimination, intolerance, and ethnic conflicts in various parts of the world, the spirit of brotherhood in humanity is becoming increasingly relevant.

"We are still witnessing how hatred, xenophobia, and identity-based violence continue to divide the nations. As stated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, the duty of all of us, including religious leaders, is to build dialogue and not allow divisions to occur. We must prevent hatred before it controls and spreads," said the Sultan.

He added that Indonesia, as a country that upholds the values of God, humanity, and social justice, has a moral responsibility in maintaining world peace.

"Pancasila not only belongs to Indonesia, but also a universal principle that can be an inspiration to the world in building a global order that is fairer and more peaceful," he said.

Sultan also emphasized that even though Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, this country is not an Islamic state, but a nation that respects diversity.

"As a pluralistic nation, Indonesia has a distinctive view of the country's life and ideology. Pancasila is a national consensus that contains principles of Godhead, unity, humanity, democracy, and social justice. This is the main pillar in maintaining harmony and tolerance," he explained.

He quoted President Soekarno's statement emphasizing the importance of defending national identity despite embracing a certain religion. On this occasion, the Sultan also underlined the importance of the role of religious leaders in maintaining social stability, especially in the midst of global challenges such as geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change.

"Religious leaders are at the forefront of strengthening humanitarian solidarity. In the midst of a tense world, they have a strategic role in maintaining social and environmental balance," he said.