The vast archipelago of Indonesia is composed of 17000 islands populated by 279 million people from 1300 ethnic groups, speaking 700 languages and believing in 6 main religions (at least). Somehow, since the inception of the Indonesian Republic in 1945, this predominantly Muslim nation has become the world's third-largest democracy and, for the most part, a beacon of religious tolerance.
Though the friendly and communicative approach to social interaction that most Indonesians seem to habitually adopt may be partly responsible, the Indonesian state has put a lot of effort into creating cultural pillars which support unity, social cohesion and religious tolerance and these are taught to children from the earliest age.
Here is a brief description of what two of the main fundamentals are: the national motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' and the 5 pillars of the Pancasila.
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika: Unity in Diversity
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia. It is inscribed in the National emblem of Indonesia, the Garuda Pancasila( see below), written on the scroll gripped by the Garuda's claws. The phrase comes from Old Javanese and translates as "Unity in Diversity" and means that despite being very diverse, the Indonesian people are still one and united.
The Pancasila's 5 pillars
Pancasila (pronounced in Indonesian: [pantʃaˈsila] ) is the official, foundational philosophical theory of Indonesia. The name is made from two words originally derived from Sanskrit: "pañca" ("five") and "śīla" ("principles", "precepts").
These principles are represented by specific emblems on the Indonesian coat of arms seen on the chest of the Garuda. In Hinduism, the Garuda is a mythical bird mounted by the god Vishnu. In Indonesia, it is represented with traits similar to the real Javanese hawk-eagle. The Garuda has 17 feathers on each wing, 8 on the lower tail, 19 on the upper tail and 45 on the neck, which together make up the date 17 August 1945, when Indonesia proclaimed its independence. The 5 pillars are taught during 'civics' class known as PPKn (Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan (PPKn)= Pancasila and Citizenship Education) in primary school for all Indonesian children.
The 5 principles are :
1. KeTuhanan yang maha esa ( Belief in one almighty god)
represented by a gold star on a black background.
This principle encompasses concepts of religious tolerance and moral rectitude:
3. People need to protect everything God has given them( i.e. nature, natural resources)
Some critics have noted that it does not allow for atheist views. Indeed, it seems important for many Indonesians that people believe in a god, whichever it may be, as a sign of moral virtue. It also leans towards monotheistic religions, though Hinduism is well accepted in Indonesia.
2. Kemanusiaan yang adil dan beradab ( a Just and civilized humanity)
represented by a gold chain on a red background
This second precept refers to the right to human dignity and that the Constitution protects basic human rights. This encourages people to treat one another with respect and compassion and does not tolerate oppression.
3. Persatuan Indonesia (a unified Indonesia)
represented by a green banyan tree on a white background
This principle encourages all Indonesians to feel part of one entity with love for their motherland. It emphasises the idea of one country, one nation, and one language but without feeling superior based on ethnic grounds, ancestry or colour of skin
4. Kerakyatan yang dipimpin oleh hikmat kebijaksanaan dalam permusyawaratan/perwakilan (Democracy guided by inner wisdom and unanimity thanks to deliberation among representatives)
represented by a black bull on a red background
This refers to the expectation of participation in decision-making on a local and national level by being involved in voting for representatives or becoming one. Each Indonesian has the right and duty to take part in the political process.
5. Keadilan sosial bagi seluruh rakyat Indonesia (Social justice for all the people of Indonesia)
represented by rice and cotton on a white background
This refers to an equitable spread of wealth and welfare to the entire population. Social justice implies the protection of the weakest and poorest. Indonesia is to strive to be a nation where no one is left behind and its people must support this.
The concepts of 'mutual cooperation' ( gotong royong), religious tolerance, participation in decision-making, social justice and a sense of belonging to a national unity are all in the Pancasila and taught to kids from the youngest age.
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