Strengthening Pancasila Values to Counter Radicalism
By: Gavin Asadit )*
Pancasila as the foundation of the Republic of Indonesia which contains noble values must be upheld by all citizens. The values of Pancasila include Belief in the One Almighty God, Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy Led by the Wisdom of Deliberation/Representation, and Social Justice for All Indonesian People. The values contained in Pancasila are not only the foundation for running the life of the nation and state, but also have an important role in countering radicalism.
Radicalism is an extreme understanding or attitude in implementing a particular ideology or belief. Radicalism can trigger the emergence of terrorism that damages the security and stability of the country. Therefore, the government continues to strive to strengthen the values of Pancasila as an effort to counter radicalism. Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo said that Indonesia should be grateful to have Pancasila as a foundation for running the life of the state. The reason is, in a number of countries are anxious about the dangers of radicalism, extremism, and terrorism. From this, it is important for the values of Pancasila to continue to be practiced and strengthened by the entire community in order to increase tolerance, religious solidarity so that social order will not be disturbed.
Furthermore, seeing the dangers of the threat of radicalism, the government took steps by including Pancasila education as a compulsory subject at all levels of education. Through Pancasila education, the younger generation will be taught about the noble values of Pancasila and the importance of upholding national unity. Thus, it is hoped that the younger generation will have a strong understanding of Pancasila and be able to reject radicalism.
In addition to education, the government is also making other efforts to strengthen the values of Pancasila. One of them is by holding various socialization and campaign activities aimed at increasing public understanding of Pancasila. In these activities, the community is invited to actively participate in strengthening the values of Pancasila and rejecting all forms of radicalism.
Furthermore, the government also involves various institutions and civil society organizations in efforts to strengthen the values of Pancasila. These institutions have an important role in disseminating the values of Pancasila to the wider community. By involving various parties, it is hoped that efforts to strengthen the values of Pancasila can be carried out comprehensively and effectively.
In addition to government efforts, the community also has an important role in strengthening the values of Pancasila. The community needs to be active in maintaining national unity and integrity and rejecting all forms of radicalism. The community also needs to prioritize an attitude of tolerance and mutual respect in everyday life. Thus, the values of Pancasila will be stronger and radicalism can be minimized.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of East Kalimantan Province, Gun Gun Gunawan emphasized the importance of Pancasila as the foundation of the state ideology in preventing radicalism and terrorism.
Maintaining and strengthening the values of Pancasila as an effort to strengthen the attitude of mutual respect and understanding of differences so that it can create a harmonious and peaceful society and distance itself from destructive radicalism and inclusive religious education is the key to building peace and can eliminate the seeds of radicalism and terrorism in society. In the same vein, the Director of Prevention of BNPT Prof. Irfan Idris also emphasized the importance of maintaining unrest and national unity because radicalism and terrorism can be overcome with critical thinking and constructive dialogue.
Ultimately, strengthening the values of Pancasila to fight radicalism is not an easy task. In facing the challenge of radicalism, the government needs to continue to evaluate and improve efforts to strengthen the values of Pancasila and cooperation between the government, society, and related institutions is also the key to success in fighting radicalism. In addition, all elements of society, especially the youth of the next generation of the nation, have an important role in fighting radicalism by building strong communication bridges, reducing conflict, and strengthening social solidarity.
Furthermore, the creation of an attitude of tolerance that respects and respects each other in religion can create a more inclusive and peaceful community life so that the existence of radicalism and terrorism should be a common enemy for all elements of society by strengthening and practicing the values of Pancasila which have so far been the foundation and guideline in running life
On the other hand, in fighting radicalism, the role of the media is also very important. The media has a strategic role in disseminating information and educating the public about the values of Pancasila and the dangers of radicalism. Therefore, the media needs to play an active role in voicing the values of Pancasila and rejecting all forms of radicalism. In an effort to strengthen the values of Pancasila, the government also needs to take concrete steps in enforcing the law against radical groups. Strict law enforcement against radical groups will provide a deterrent effect and prevent the spread of radicalism.
In facing the challenge of radicalism, it should be remembered that strengthening the values of Pancasila is not an effort that is merely a formality. Strengthening the values of Pancasila must be a strong commitment from all elements of the nation. Only by strengthening the values of Pancasila can we fight radicalism and maintain the integrity of the nation.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues