Maria Devina Sanjaya

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Secularism, Islam and Pancasila: A Summary

Debates on the ideology of Indonesia had been going around since pre-independence
era. Debates arose when Japan assured to grant independence for Indonesia. However, the
Japanese officials asked Indonesian leaders’ representative to discuss the base of the state first.
At that time, the leaders were almost all Muslim, dominated by those who followed the secular
nationalist ideology in which they believed that Indonesia should be a one, united nation where
all citizens would be guaranteed to have freedom of choosing their own religions. Yet some
Muslim leaders disagree.

The discussion at that time was rather intense, with two distinct groups trying to voice
their opinions. Most Islamic group representatives, including Ki Bagus Hadikusumo of
Muhammadiyah, at that time believed that putting Islam as the basis of the state would suit best
as it will conform the fundamental aspirations of the majority of the people. On the contrary,
the ‘secularists,’ such as Soekarno and Moh. Hatta, believed that the state affairs should be
separated from religion, especially Islamic, affairs. On top of that, by only protecting the
Islamic interests, Indonesia would no longer be able to be recognized as a unitary state as the
religious minorities were ‘abandoned.’ As a result, the ideology Pancasila was established.
Soekarno claimed that Pancasila consisted of original values of the country. However, the
Islamic group did not respond positively. To resolve this, the Committee of Nine was formed
with the result of Jakarta Charter being published. However, there were 7 words included in
the charter that was deemed as not suitable to be included in the constitution, as it defended the
Islamic group only. As a result, the charter was discussed over and it resulted in an amended
Pancasila which stressed over ‘Belief in One Almighty God’ instead of focusing on Islamic
shari’a.

The debates did not end after the Pancasila had been agreed. Close to the end session
of Dokuritsu Junbi Chōsakai, there was a proposal for creating a special Ministry of Religious
Affairs (MORA), but this was rejected. Yet, on January 1946, the ministry was eventually
established. Due to this sudden establishment, many were confused on whether Indonesia was
a secular state or a religious (Islamic) one. On January 1953, however, Soekarno emphasized
that Indonesia would be a national state consisting of all region, part, as well as religion of the
country. This provoked another debate for years. During Soeharto era, Pancasila was once
again brought over all discussions. Soeharto, as the president at that time, established a P4
movement to ensure that all levels of citizens understand the value of the ideology. He even
 Maria Devina Sanjaya
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used Pancasila to control his people, stating that disregarding Pancasila would mean to violate
Islamic affairs.

I believe that this issue is still debatable even during these days. The rise of radical
Islam in Indonesia also plays a part in creating new debates. Some argue that Indonesia would
develop better under the Islam-democratic laws and regulations. However, in my opinion, a
‘Pancasila state’ or Indonesia that adopts ‘mild secularism’ still suits best. As a relatively young
state, it is important for the people to understand and respect each other. This should not only
apply between the majority (Muslim) group only, but the majority should also respect the
minority and vice versa.