The anniversary of the birth of Pancasila on 1 June was commemorated in a number of places. The Pancasila principles are being tested in the midst of the epidemic and the policies the government has taken.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
The anniversary of the birth of Pancasila on 1 June was commemorated in a number of places. The Pancasila principles are being tested in the midst of the epidemic and the policies the government has taken.
The Covid-19 epidemic seems to be testing the fundamental principles of Pancasila. The five Pancasila principles – belief in God, upholding humanity, unity, consensus and deliberation and social justice – are being challenged. The principles on divinity and humanity have shown clear manifestation. Solidarity has taken shape in humanitarianism. Mutual assistance and community unity are prominent features of Indonesian people.
Criticism is oxygen for democracy.
The basis of the Pancasila principles is unity, although it must be acknowledged that actions are growing among certain individuals and groups that could disrupt the principle of unity. The same goes for the principle of deliberation or consensus or democracy. The most neglected value in Pancasila is the principle of social justice. The Covid-19 epidemic has widened social inequality. The number of poor people has increased. This needs more attention from the state.
In the midst of commemorating the birth of Pancasila amidst the epidemic, we are seeing attempts to undermine civil liberty, namely freedom of speech, freedom of the press and academic freedom. Criticisms and dissatisfaction have arisen over the government’s handling of the epidemic. Criticizing government policies is normal in a democracy. Criticism is oxygen for democracy.
Without criticism, the government will not be able to measure whether or not the people have benefited from its planned programs. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo needs feedback and criticism from the people, including the mass media, and not only feedback in the form of his subordinates’ reports. However, we have later seen attempts to suppress civil liberty, deprive press freedoms and challenge freedom of speech using prevailing laws.
The press can make mistakes. However, expressing dislike towards the press by threatening journalists and by intervening in freedom of speech at universities is an act against democracy. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres tweeted: "When journalists are attacked, societies are attacked. No democracy can function without press freedom."
When journalists are attacked, societies are attacked. No democracy can function without press freedom.
We take the view that press criticism of ministerial policies is not a crime, as long as they are in keeping with journalistic principles and practices. Any dissatisfaction over media coverage can be channeled through the Press Council.
We have spotted policies that can create the perception or impression among the public that the government is anti-democratic and anti-freedom. With the assistance of several democracy activists in the circle of power, President Jokowi should explain those policies that the public perceives to be threats to civil liberties. Are there state actors involved, or are there invisible hands trying to create a bad impression of the government? The government should clarify. Civil liberty must be maintained, because it is a fundamental freedom!