Pancasila

Pancasila is the foundational philosophical theory of Indonesia and the country’s official state ideology. It articulates the core values that guide the Indonesian state and society. The term means “five principles.” The five principles are: Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa (belief in one supreme God), Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab (just and civilized humanity), Persatuan Indonesia (the unity of Indonesia), Kerakyatan yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan dalam Permusyikiran (democracy guided by the wisdom of deliberations among representatives), and Keadilan Sosial bagi Seluruh Rakyat Indonesia (social justice for all the Indonesian people).

Origin and status: Pancasila was formulated within the Indonesian nationalist movement during the late colonial period and was presented by Sukarno and the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Indonesian Independence (BPUPK) in 1945. It was proclaimed as the foundational philosophy of the new nation and enshrined in the preamble of the 1945 Constitution, serving as the basis for state policy and national identity. It remains the core reference point for Indonesian law, education, and governance, and is widely taught in schools and cited in political discourse.

Contemporary role: Pancasila is positioned as the unifying principle of a diverse nation, balancing religious belief with secular civic values. It has faced varying interpretations and debates since Indonesia’s reform era, but continues to function as the official philosophical foundation of the state.