Pancasila Philosophy: State Ideology in the Context of Transformative Integration of the Unitary State of The Republic of Indonesia

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FORMOSA NEWS

Pancasila Philosophy Serves as Key Shield Against Radicalism and Political Polarization in the Digital Era

BANJARMASIN, Indonesia — Pancasila is not merely a national symbol, but a vital philosophical foundation that maintains the national integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) against threats of radicalism, political polarization, and foreign ideologies. A peer-reviewed study conducted by H. Abdul Hakim and Abdul Sani from the Faculty of Usuluddin and Humanities (FUH) at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Antasari Banjarmasin highlights the essential role of Pancasila as a transformative and open ideology. Published in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS) in 2026, the research demonstrates how practicing Pancasila values effectively reduces social conflicts and strengthens national resilience in an era of rapid globalization.

Background and Relevance

In the post-reform era, public understanding and daily practice of Pancasila experienced a noticeable decline across Indonesian society. Political changes and past traumas regarding the misuse of power created a period of "national amnesia," causing Pancasila to be sidelined into a formalistic ornament rather than an active guiding principle (grundnorm).

Simultaneously, modern challenges such as economic globalization, rapid digitalization, and social media exposure have altered cultural values among younger generations. The influx of global popular culture and materialistic mindsets risks eroding social ethics and national identity. Furthermore, the spread of radical ideologies—both religious and secular—alongside political polarization poses severe risks to national unity. Revitalizing Pancasila as an open ideology provides an ideological filter and a unifying force to navigate these contemporary societal pressures.

Research Methodology

The researchers utilized a qualitative research design with a library research approach to examine the transformative role of Pancasila philosophy. To ensure a comprehensive conceptual analysis, H. Abdul Hakim and Abdul Sani employed a normative-philosophical framework.

Primary data sources included official state documents, such as the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia and foundational legal texts. Secondary data sources comprised academic journals, scientific literature, and historical documentations. The authors analyzed the gathered information using descriptive-analytic methods and content analysis to evaluate the practical applications of Pancasila in maintaining state sovereignty.

Key Findings

The study produced several critical insights regarding the strategic role of Pancasila in modern state governance and social unity:

• Filter Against Foreign Ideologies: The universal principles embedded within the five precepts of Pancasila serve as an effective cultural filter and social adhesive, reducing both horizontal and vertical conflicts in a diverse nation.
• Countering Student Radicalism: Higher education courses, particularly Civic Education (PKn), play a pivotal role in internalizing values of tolerance, human rights, and mutual cooperation among university students.
• Character Building for Youth: Strengthening ideological literacy prepares young people to act as agents of change, equipping them to resist intolerant narratives that exploit social and political grievances.
• Historical Continuity: The findings align with historical integration models, such as Muhammad Natsir’s 1956 Integral Motion, reinforcing that educational reform, economic balance, and political stability are interconnected pillars of national resilience.

Implications and Real-World Impact

The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, educational institutions, and civic organizations. For government authorities, the research emphasizes that state laws and administrative policies must continuously align with the core principles of Pancasila to ensure social justice and democratic integrity.

In education, universities are urged to move beyond ceremonial text readings and formalistic lectures. Implementing interactive, contextual Pancasila education fosters critical thinking and social cohesion among students, protecting campuses from extremist recruitment. For broader society and businesses, a strong commitment to Pancasila ensures political stability, social harmony, and a secure environment for national development.

"Strengthening ideological literacy and consistently implementing Pancasila values by the government and society is the main key to maintaining Indonesia's sovereignty in the era of globalization," concluded H. Abdul Hakim and Abdul Sani from UIN Antasari Banjarmasin.

Author Profiles

1. Dr. H. Abdul Hakim, M.Ag. — Senior lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Usuluddin and Humanities (FUH), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Antasari Banjarmasin. His field of expertise encompasses Islamic philosophy, political thought, and state ideological studies.
2. Abdul Sani, M.Ag. — Lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Usuluddin and Humanities (FUH), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Antasari Banjarmasin. He specializes in Pancasila philosophy, civic education, and national integration.

Research Source

• Article Title: Pancasila Philosophy: State Ideology in the Context of Transformative Integration of the Unitary State of The Republic of Indonesia
• Journal: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS)
• Volume & Issue: Vol. 4, No. 7, pp. 1973–1980
• Publication Year: 2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/y6tmex07
• Official URL: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs