By: Ni Luh Made Kusuma )*
The Birth of Pancasila, which is celebrated every June 1, is not just an annual ceremony, but an important moment to reflect again on how crucial the Pancasila ideology is in maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This warning is also an invitation for all elements of society, especially the younger generation, to be more alert and active in preventing the spread of radicalism which is increasingly pervasive through various media, especially the internet.
Pancasila, with its values of togetherness and tolerance, is a shield that must continue to be strengthened to face the challenges of alternative ideologies which often trigger divisions.
Member of Commission I DPR RI, Taufiq R. Abdullah, said that the era of globalization brought big challenges to the resilience of the Pancasila ideology and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. Various alternative ideologies easily penetrate society through information media which is increasingly easily accessible to all groups, including young people.
Radicalism, as an ideology that seeks social and political change through violence, is one of the biggest threats. Distortion of religious understanding is often the root of radical attitudes in religion, where a literal or literal understanding of religious propositions gives rise to rigidity and intolerance.
The internet has become the main channel for disseminating and learning about religious content, especially among the millennial generation. Taufiq emphasized that the younger generation must be smarter in filtering radical content on social media. A study supervised by a Professor at UIN Bandung shows that 58 percent of young people prefer to learn about religion through social media such as YouTube or Instagram.
This phenomenon shows that young people tend to be more familiar with individual preachers in cyberspace than traditional religious organizations. The hijrah and Shar’i trends, which are narrowed down to lifestyle, clothing and religious study groups, are increasingly popular thanks to the role of influencers and digital marketing.
The heavy flow of information makes it difficult for us to differentiate between what is valid and what is not. Online preaching content is often controlled by groups that tend to be closed to Muslims who have different views.
Searching the internet with certain keywords will only produce references that are relevant to those keywords, which can ultimately narrow understanding of religion. This is a serious threat to the life of the nation and state, especially for millennials who are very used to social media.
Facts show that the majority of young people’s recruitment into radical organizations is done through social media. Strengthening civil society is the key to preventing radicalism.
Taufiq emphasized that counter radical-terrorism activities must be carried out simultaneously and effectively by all levels of government and society. This is not only the responsibility of the police or army, but also the entire community in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution to work together to protect the Republic of Indonesia.
Digital Practitioner, Ismail Cawidu, explained that Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution clearly states that everyone has the right to freedom of association, assembly and expression of opinion. In addition, everyone has the right to communicate and obtain information to develop their personal and social environment.
However, the facts show that information and communication technology (ICT) is often misused to spread hatred, hostility and radicalism, resulting in the suffering of others. All the energy, hard work and funds used to build telecommunications infrastructure become unproductive when used for destructive purposes.
Implementing Pancasila values is an effective way to ward off the dangers of radicalism and terrorism which currently still lurk in society. Regarding this matter, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, emphasized the importance of the Pancasila approach to dealing with terrorism. Apart from that, he also invited social media activists to build a contemporary Pancasila education pattern because the old Pancasila education pattern is no longer popular with the millennial generation.
Not only that, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, also believes that there is a need for Pancasila education that uses audio-visual packaging such as films. One of the discussion themes that can be discussed is the life journey of a Terrorism Convict who later pledged allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia. With this film, it is hoped that society, especially the younger generation, will understand that radicalism is a dangerous threat that can threaten the integrity of the nation.
In facing the era of globalization and increasingly massive attacks by alternative ideologies, commemoration of the Birth of Pancasila is an important momentum to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s ideology. Pancasila as the basis of the state and the way of life of the Indonesian people must always be maintained and implemented in every aspect of life. The government and society need to unite in efforts to ward off radicalism, build ideological resilience, and maintain the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
Let’s make the commemoration of Pancasila Day an opportunity to reflect on the noble values of Pancasila in everyday life. With the spirit of Pancasila, we are able to create a safe, peaceful and prosperous Indonesia, and make Pancasila the main pillar in facing the challenges of globalization and radicalism. Pancasila is not just a symbol, but also the soul of unifying the nation which must continue to be fought for towards a Golden Indonesia 2045.
)* The author is a contributor to the Solusi Reading Institute