Independence Day: Catholic Community Reminds Spirit of Pancasila

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Central Presidium of Indonesian Catholic Intellectuals Associations (ISKA) explains the importance of implementing the spirit of Pancasila in daily life. ISKA chairman Hargo Mandirahardjo delivered the message during the 72nd Indonesia’s Independence Day, August 17.

ISKA chairman, along with other organization leaders, issued a collective statement on the importance of Pancasila (five principles) value and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) concept. The Catholic organizations include ISKA, the Central Board of Directors of Indonesian Catholic Women, the Central Executive of Catholic Youth, the Presidium of the Indonesian Catholic Students Association, and the Indonesian Catholic Society Forum.

Hargo said Indonesia is currently facing several groups attempting to weaken Pancasila, that has been supporting the nation’s independence for 72 years, and spreading the anti-Pancasila ideology instead. "The purpose is to change the base and philosophy of our country. This is shown in various situations, such as the corruption, narcotics abuse, terrorism, and poverty," he told Tempo Friday, August 18.

The Catholic organizations, Hargo said, call on the people to celebrate the Independence Day by strengthening the commitment to support the diversity. "Pancasila will not be essential if we don’t do real acts upon it in our daily life."

Hargo gave an example of ISKA’s role in inviting Indonesian teenagers in school activities on nationality. More than thousands of teenagers from schools in Jakarta and Palembang get a training of loving and defending the country. “This is one of ISKA’s contribution on the Indonesia’s Independence Day (HUT RI).”

Last week, one of the ISKA Central Presidium officials, Prasetyo Nurharjanto took part in a symposium on nationality involving 700 Junior High School and High School students in Palembang, South Sumatra. He called on the importance of loving and defending the country in the easiest way by learning to enroll in an organization.

He explained that Indonesia is a heterogeneous country. The history records that Hindu, China, Arab and Europe nations took part in the history of Indonesia. The diversity is a legacy that cannot be separated and cannot be fouled with intolerance acts.”

Indonesian Bishops Conference, last week, held a National Conference of Indonesian Catholic dubbed the Revitalisation of Pancasila. The conference aims to build the collective consciousness of the Indonesian people that Pancasila and social justice should again be the goal of development.

In the commemoration of the 72nd Independence Day, the Indonesian people must keep the value of Pancasila as the spirit of independence.

HERMIEN Y. KLEDEN