The Agency for Pancasila Ideology Education (BPIP) has submitted 15 textbooks on Pancasila to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in the hopes of being adopted in Indonesia’s school and university curricular, the agency’s head stated.
“The proposed textbooks have been in the hands of Mr President for approval,” Yudian Wahyudi stated in Meulaboh, the capital of West Aceh District, Aceh Province, on Sunday.
The textbooks would later be used as one of the references for civic education that is compulsory for Indonesians in early childhood education, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and university levels.
However, Wahyudi did not mention the titles of the 15 proposed text books, though in its place noted that the BPIP was awaiting the president’s approval for their use in schools and universities.
The use of the textbooks on Pancasila will be stipulated in Government Regulation No. 57 of 2021 on changes in the National Education Standard, he noted, adding that the regulation would be signed by the president.
ANTARA noted that President Jokowi alone had deliberately drawn attention to the importance of upholding Pancasila as Indonesia’s sole state ideology.
During his State address at the annual session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) in 2019, Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia remains firm as it has a strong foundation called Pancasila.
“We should be grateful that Indonesia, our shared great home, remains firm despite many challenges. Pancasila is a nation’s principle, guiding star, and unifier to us all,” Jokowi stated.
“In this house called Pancasila, we can live harmoniously regardless of our religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. This great house of Indonesia provides a comfortable place for all to live in, a living space for children of the nation from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island,” the president affirmed.
In this great house, all children are free to cultivate creative minds, struggle for the nation’s interests, and realize their shared dreams and goals, President Jokowi emphasized.
Differences are not viewed as a hindrance for Indonesians but rather more of a unifier.
“In this unity, we find huge energy to propel our entire strength and thoughts towards an advanced Indonesia. In this unity, we find solidarity, attention, and the spirit of sharing among the children of the nation,” the head of state remarked.
The president expressed strong belief that the country would continue to remain united, and by holding on to this unity of Indonesia’s spirit, this great house would never crumble, fall apart, or vanish.
Instead, Indonesia would forever stand tall not only for 100 or 500 years in the future but for eternity, he affirmed.
Source: Antara News