YOGYAKARTA - To improve public awareness about Pancasila as the state foundation and the ideology of the nation, Universitas Gadjah Mada plans to hold a national seminar, 'Pancasila for Indonesia and the World', on Monday, September 19, 2011 at UGM Senate Hall. Committee chairman of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Ir. Irham, M. Sc., to reporters said that the seminar is intended to evoke public memories about an important historical moment of monumental speech about the concept of Pancasila as the basic philosophy of the nation, which took place during the awarding of honoris causa doctor of law science to Ir. Soekarno on September 19, 1951, in Siti Hinggil of Yogyakarta Palace.
"At that time, UGM awarded the title of honoris causa doctor of law science to Ir. Soekarno who was considered as the explorer of Pancasila," Irham said, Wednesday (14/9).
He added that in the awarding ceremony, Prof. Notonagoro as the promoter read a very monumental speech, Pancasila Basic Philosophy of the Republic of Indonesia. According to Irham, the speech up to now has been widely cited and applied by the state in putting the philosophical basis of the state.
Expert Team Leader of Center for Pancasila Studies, Prof. Dr. dr. Sutaryo, Sp.A (K)., said that the granting of title from Universitas Gadjah Mada to Ir. Sukarno was not without reason. This was considered thoroughly by looking at the psychological condition of the people of Indonesia at the time. Through the proposal mechanism submitted by UGM Senate and the appointment of Prof. Notonagoro as promoter, finally it was decided to grant Ir. Soekarno the title for his dedication as a creator of Pancasila. At the awarding ceremony, however, Sukarno was reluctant to be called as 'creator', but rather as 'explorer' of Pancasila. "The granting of honoris causa title was the first time for UGM," he said.
Sutaryo added that Soekarno was not only considered meritorious to create Pancasila but also consistently practiced the values of Pancasila at that time.
Sutaryo mentioned one of the routine activities conducted by Soekarno at that time was to teach short courses on Pancasila to young women. This short course took place at the presidential palace complex in Yogyakarta. "Although only for two hours, it was followed by 400 women, including sellers and carriers at traditional market," he concluded.