Pancasila Should Serve As Unifying Force For Indonesia: Governor

Padang, West Sumatra, Oct 1 (Antara) - Pancasila, as the state symbol, should be the main cohesive power for the nation to remain as the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), noted West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno. After acting as the inspector of the ceremony to commemorate Pancasila Sanctity Day in West Sumatra on Wednesday, the governor stated that all government policies should take a cue from the philosophy of Pancasila that ensures social justice for all Indonesians. The ceremony, which ran peacefully and solemnly, was also attended by the officials and representatives of military, police, civil servants, and the students from different schools and colleges in West Sumatra. He remarked that the interpretation of Pancasila in today`s context was a natural thing to do, but it should not turn out to be a reason to create divisions in the country. Therefore, the governor expressed total disagreement with certain parties who opined that many people from the younger generation were not following the values of Pancasila. "People may assess Pancasila differently, but for me, its values are still firmly held by the people of Indonesia. We will also continue to promote the understanding of the values of Pancasila among the younger generation," he noted. In the meantime, West Sumatra Provincial Legislative Assembly Speaker Hendra Irwan Rahim pointed out that since Indonesia gained independence, Pancasila has often been undermined by various parties, but until this day, it remains the state ideology of the nation. Therefore, he emphasized that the people should be wary of the latent danger of changing the nation`s foundation.