Bhineka Tunggal Ika and Unity in Diversity in Indonesia

Bhineka Tunggal Ika: Unity in Diversity in Indonesia

Bhineka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia, which translates to "Unity in Diversity." This motto reflects the country's commitment to maintaining unity and integrity despite its diverse cultures, regional languages, races, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs. Originating from the Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular during the Majapahit empire in the 14th century, the phrase has become an integral part of Indonesian identity and is mentioned in the Constitution of Indonesia.

Pancasila

Pancasila is the official philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state, encompassing five principles: belief in the one and only God, just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, consultation and consensus, and representation and democracy. These principles are intended to guide the nation's political, social, economic, and cultural development, and to promote unity and harmony among the diverse population.

Cultural Diversity in Indonesia

Indonesia is a multicultural nation, with over 700 ethnic groups and more than 700 languages spoken across the archipelago. Despite this diversity, the country has managed to maintain a sense of national unity, thanks in part to the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika motto. This unity is reflected in cultural practices such as the tradition of halal bihalal, a post-Lebaran celebration where elders of communities host feasts and celebrations for all races, religions, and ethnicities.

Religious Tolerance

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, but it is also home to numerous other religions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Despite this religious diversity, the country has generally maintained a tolerant and pluralistic society. However, there have been instances of religious intolerance, such as the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy and the intolerance shown by some national adult-led organizations.

Unity in Diversity

The concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika has been operationalized in various aspects of Indonesian life, from social studies textbooks to classroom practice. It is seen as a way to promote unity and harmony among the diverse population, and to build a character and civilization appropriate to a pluralistic Indonesian nation.

Pluralism

Pluralism, or the coexistence of different groups within a society, is a key aspect of Indonesian society. This is reflected in the country's political system, which includes representatives from various ethnic and religious groups. However, there are challenges to maintaining pluralism, such as the 2017 gubernatorial elections, where chauvinistic groups tried to persuade communities, including the youth generation, to not vote for a candidate based on their racial or religious status.

In conclusion, Bhineka Tunggal Ika represents the Indonesian people's commitment to unity in diversity, a motto that has guided the country's development and identity for centuries. Despite challenges to this unity, particularly in the form of intolerance and pluralism, the motto remains an important symbol of Indonesia's multicultural society and its commitment to maintaining unity and harmony among its diverse population.