Pancasila, The best Tie for Indonesia by Nina Mariani Noor

Revolution, Pancasila, The GreatUnity of Deity and The Jakarta Charter. Religion and Politics in Indonesia
Readings: MC. Ricklefs, a History of Modern Indonesia since 1300, pp 199-233
Robert Hefner, Civil Islam: Muslim and Democratization in Indonesia
By : Nina Mariani Noor
Subject : History of Religion in Indonesia Part II: 20th century
February 15, 2010
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Indonesia independence which was marked by the declaration in August 17, 1945 is not the end of people’s struggle, in fact, it is the beginning of the real struggle for gaining better live for them. Historically, after the Independence Day, there were several conflicts happened among Indonesian people, particularly in deciding the State’s ideological foundation. Pancasila which is finally chosen as the state’s foundation was the source of the conflicts occurred in one side, and also as a bind in conforming conflicting parties on the other side.
Pancasila as the ideological foundation on the nation-state, historically it has failed to accommodate all interests. There were two strong competitors, nationalists and Islamists. On one hand, nationalists thought that Pancasila is the best since it can accommodate the multi-ethnicity and multi background of Indonesia people. On the other hand, Islamists felt betrayed, particularly on the first sila which does not include Islam values like what was written in JakartaCharter, meaning not accommodating Muslims which are majority in Indonesia.
Ricklefs argues that after the fifth anniversary of the independence of Indonesia, 17 August 1945, meaning that the political revolution in Indonesia was complete in which Indonesia decided to be a new Republic of Indonesia based on Pancasila (p. 233). I do admit that in some extent it can be said that the political revolution had brought Indonesia people to agree on Pancasila as their tie to live in harmony. However, I don’t think that the political revolution was over since there were some other rebellions occurred such as PKI, NII, and other movements , which in fact significantly affected Indonesia political circumstances.
I do agree with Hefner’s statement that today most Muslims accept the legitimacy of the nation-state although it does not mean that they strongly agree on the ideology and organization (p. 38). However, I think we can not ignore that actually there are still a number of Muslims who are still struggling for establishing a state based on Islamic values, just like Gerakan Aceh Merdeka in Aceh and also HTI (Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia) which is still dreaming of an Islamic Caliphate.
Having look at the history of Pancasila, as what I have said before, Pancasila, on one side has failed to accommodate all Indonesian people. However, on the other side, it has also proven its strength as the foundation of state since it can compromise all interest then. Because of Pancasila, it is possible for Aceh to implement Islamic law (Shari’ah) and also for other regencies like Cianjur and Depok. For me, Pancasila is still the best choice for Indonesian people because under Pancasila we can live in harmony regardless our different background, ethnics, and religions.