A delegation of 15 representatives from the Malaysian Parliament, along with the Institute of Civilization and Strategic Studies (ITKAS) of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdillah (UMPSA), visited the UGM Center for Pancasila Studies (PSP) in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (13/6).
The visit served as a platform for discussion between the two countries regarding the implementation of state ideology in the nation’s life.
Indonesia and Malaysia are two countries that share many similarities. They share commonalities in language, ethnic groups, societal heterogeneity, and even state ideology.
Pancasila was born in Indonesia on June 1, 1945, as a unifying principle before the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s state ideology, or “Rukun Negara,” was born amid ethnic conflicts that marked a dark period in Malaysia’s history in the late 1960s.
“The Malaysian delegation wants to see how Pancasila is handled and applied and how research institutions like PSP study Pancasila,” said the Chair of PSP, Dr. Agus Wahyudi.
The visiting guests were representatives from UMP Malaysia and the Parliament’s Academic and International Fields, such as Ybhg. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman, En. Madyasir bin Ahmad Basir, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Ahmad Ziad bin Sulaiman, Prof. Madya Dr. Mohd Nizam bin Mohmad Kahar, Dr. Mohamad Hilmi bin Mat Said, and other representatives.
According to Dr. Wahyudi, the main question raised by the visiting guests was about how Indonesia still considers Pancasila as the main foundation of the state, despite the continuing challenges of this era.
Undeniably, Pancasila as the state ideology has stood the test of time. The diversity of society, in terms of demographics and collective thinking, does not diminish the influence of Pancasila in the nation’s life.
The principles of Pancasila are arranged in such a way as to embody the noble values of national identity deeply rooted in society. Many countries look up to this approach in managing societal dynamics within their governance.
The visit results were documented in a Letter of Intent (LOI), which contains points of cooperation between the two institutions, the Center for Pancasila Studies at UGM and the Institute of Civilization and Strategic Studies at UMPSA Malaysia.
The LOI signifies the commitment of both institutions in various fields, such as academic training, collaborative research, cultural exchanges, government policy management, and humanitarian efforts.
“This partnership has no specific time frame; it will continue indefinitely. Its existence depends on the energy, shared intentions, and mutual trust between the parties involved,” said Dr. Wahyudi.
Author: Tasya