Pancasila, I'm Devoted to You
This poem is a philosophical reflection and social critique of how the values of Pancasila are practiced in Indonesia. Delivered through metaphorical and spiritual tones, it highlights the richness of the nation in contrast with the people’s suffering caused by inequality, corruption, and betrayal of Pancasila’s noble ideals.
VOICES FROM THE EAST
Hasnulir Nur (CEIS Makassar Activist)
6/5/20251 min read
Pancasila, I'm Devoted to You
Pancasila
One and two, cosmology
Three, four, and five, ideology
The unity of Indonesia is transcendent
A just and civilized humanity is outwardly immanent
Democracy led by divine wisdom
Justice, a humanistic social existential movement
The philosophical foundation is fulfilled
Not merely progressive, but a movement of perfection
What is the use of progress if it lacks wholeness?
Institutionalizing our land, which people call paradise
Constituting the archipelago, not an ocean but a pond of milk
Its philosophical foundation is strong, its earth gleams like heaven
Rich in nature, rich in people, rich in culture, rich in religion, rich in ethnicity
Its lands stretch like a tapestry of jeweled quality
Which of the blessings will you deny?
Then why is the Motherland grieving?
Is it because her sons and daughters fall as national heroes in the garden of service?
Or because food warriors are ill and left untreated?
Or because factory workers' welfare rights are amputated?
Or because the rights to health, education, and employment are manipulated?
Social funds mutilated?
Or
Household caretakers betray their conscience
Lick the feet of colonizers through investments
Spit on the homeland's tapestry
After their saliva spews the mantra of prosperity
Muttering spells of abundance
Chanting songs of economic growth
Garuda on their chest, but deceit in their budget
Garuda on their shirt pocket, bribe envelopes in their trousers
Their Pancasila speeches are eloquent
So is their corruption
Yet,
The source of character is as many as the tribes that exist
The source of wisdom is as many as the cultures that live
The source of divine guidance is as many as the religions professed
The source of ethics and morals is as many as the beliefs held
It is not the mother's fault for giving birth
Nor Pancasila's fault for nurturing
Pancasila
One and two, cosmology
Three, four, and five, ideology
Pancasila
I'm devoted to you
(Note: This poem was recited during the Public Discussion Forum and Screening of the film "PANCASILA IS ME", produced by ICRS, the Center for Pancasila Studies at UGM, and WATCH DOC, held at the CEIS and Al Hikmah Institute Secretariat on June 4, 2025).