Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) commemorated Pancasila Day with a flag-raising ceremony in the Balairung courtyard on Monday (Jun. 2). The ceremony was attended by members of the UGM community as a tribute to the nation’s philosophical foundation and a moment for national reflection.
This year’s Pancasila Day commemoration carried the theme Pancasila Pemersatu Bangsa, Fondasi Perdamaian Dunia (Pancasila: Uniting the Nation, the Foundation of World Peace). The theme underscores the importance of Pancasila values in maintaining unity amid Indonesia’s diverse society. On the occasion, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, delivered a speech on the relevance of Pancasila in addressing contemporary challenges.
In her address, Professor Ova Emilia stated that Pancasila is both the soul and guiding principle of the nation, serving as a unifying force for diversity. The values embodied in Pancasila emerged from the spirit of pluralism long rooted in Indonesian society.
According to Professor Ova, diversity is not a reason to impose uniformity but a strength that must be nurtured to reinforce national unity. Respect for plurality is a vital foundation for realizing freedom, equality, and social justice.
“Pancasila teaches us to see differences as a shared strength that sustains unity and strengthens our national bonds,” she said.
She also highlighted the various challenges the nation faces in actualizing Pancasila values. The forces of globalization, shifting international geopolitical dynamics, and competing global economic and political interests have created increasingly complex challenges for national life.
These conditions require society to remain firmly grounded in the fundamental values that serve as a shared foundation. According to Professor Ova, Pancasila must continue to guide national and state affairs to ensure that development proceeds with clear direction and justice.
“Amid rapid change, Pancasila remains the moral compass that guides the nation toward a more dignified future,” she remarked.
As the University of Pancasila, UGM remains committed to advancing the nation through the development of knowledge and the strengthening of future generations’ character. This commitment is reflected in the provision of inclusive educational access for the broader public.
UGM has expanded opportunities for students from Indonesia’s disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, developed open online learning platforms, and strengthened its research and community service programs. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation, broaden access to knowledge, and enhance national competitiveness.
“Our efforts represent the embodiment of Pancasila values through education, collaboration, and service for the advancement of society,” she explained.
Professor Ova further noted that the commemoration of Pancasila Day serves as an important opportunity to reflect on national values amid rapid change and global uncertainty. Such circumstances require collective responsibility to preserve unity while strengthening social solidarity. Therefore, Pancasila values must be translated into everyday practice, both within the university environment and in society at large. The spirit of harmony, respect for differences, and mutual cooperation remains essential in addressing future challenges.
“Let us bring Pancasila to life through our daily actions, nurture our sense of brotherhood, and contribute our best to the progress of Indonesia,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara Putri
Photo: Firsto