The UGM Faculty of Philosophy encourages the development of Nusantara philosophy centers in various regions in Indonesia. This is because the philosophical thoughts of many Nusantara figures have not been extensively explored and documented.
The philosophical thoughts of figures such as Ki Ronggo Warsito, Ki Ageng Suryomentaram, RMP Sosrokartono, Airlangga, Mahapatih Gajah Mada, Sultan Agung, Sultan Hasanuddin, Pangeran Diponegoro, Pattimura, have the potential for deeper exploration.
Dr. Heri Santoso, a researcher at the Laboratory of Nusantara Philosophy, UGM Faculty of Philosophy, emphasizes the importance of delving into the thoughts of these national figures and heroes to find their relevance to contemporary conditions. He hopes these philosophical ideas will stimulate more studies on Nusantara philosophy.
“We need to dig deeper,” said Dr. Santoso in his statement to reporters on Tuesday (November 28).
To delve deeper into the wealth of Nusantara philosophy and local wisdom, he suggests a geographical approach, categorizing regions based on the distinct philosophical and knowledge systems of Malay, Sundanese, Javanese, Balinese, Lombok, Bugis, Dayak, Ternate-Tidore, and Papuan communities. This can serve as a representation of the wealth of Nusantara philosophy and culture.
“Exploration can also be carried out through the excavation of philosophy and local wisdom contained in the culture, religion, and beliefs that have developed in the archipelago, from ancient times to the present,” he said.
Furthermore, exploratory activities can be conducted through general philosophical approaches or branches of philosophy such as the philosophy of life, metaphysics, epistemology, cosmology, the philosophy of divinity, anthropology, ethics, and aesthetics.
During the National Symposium on Nusantara Philosophy held by the UGM Faculty of Philosophy themed “Thinkers and Thoughts of Nusantara Philosophy and Their Contributions to the World,” writer and cultural expert Irfan Afifi stated that the philosophy of Indonesian society is not exactly like the Western tradition of philosophy. Instead, it is a kind of worldview of local Indonesian communities that has persisted until now.
“This model of philosophy is perhaps what was claimed as the material excavated by Sukarno in the birth of Pancasila. This philosophy or worldview has never been separated from the religious worldview in Indonesia,” he said.
Professor Lasiyo of the UGM Faculty of Philosophy stated that the motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Tan Hana Dharma Mangrwa” is one of the results of the exploration of Nusantara philosophy, which was once a belief that developed in the Majapahit kingdom era to overcome the diversity and fanaticism of religion among Hindu and Buddhist communities.
“Now, through this motto, we are invited to unite in dedication to the country,” he said.
Dr. Rizal Mustansyir added that Nusantara philosophy encompasses all the original thought legacies found in the customs and cultures of all ethnic groups in the archipelago.
These thoughts manifest in various forms, such as Babad Tanah Jawi, Serat Pujangga Jawa, and other writings from figures in the pre-independence era such as Ranggawarsita, Mangkunegara IV, Sosrokartono, Raja Ali Haji, and Syekh Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi.
Dr. Febri Yulika, the Rector of ISI Padang Panjang, West Sumatra, mentioned that one of the in-depth explorations needed is the thought of Minangkabau feminist figure Rahma El-Yunusiyah, who lived from 1900-1969.
According to Dr. Yulika, this Minang woman figure advocated for women’s rights without negating women’s obligations as homemakers and cooking and sewing skills. Through education, Rahma El-Yunusiyah managed a madrasah school in 1923.
“She encouraged raising the status of women through general knowledge, religion, and Arabic language tailored to their femininity,” Dr. Yulika said.
Author: Gusti Grehenson