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All generations, from students to workers, take part in a ceremony to commemorate Pancasila Day. Source:

In today's fast-paced, digitally driven world, it's easy to assume that values like Pancasila—Indonesia’s foundational philosophy—might feel outdated or distant to the younger generation. However, a closer look reveals that many members of Gen Z are not only aware of Pancasila, but are also finding new meaning in its principles, adapting them to fit today’s social and cultural landscape as this article will explore.

Understanding Pancasila

Pancasila was first introduced by Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, in a speech on June 1, 1945, during a meeting of the BPUPKI (an independence preparation committee). The term "Pancasila" comes from Sanskrit—"panca" meaning five, and "sila" meaning principles. Over time, these principles were refined and officially included in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution (UUD 1945). June 1 is now celebrated as Pancasila Day, commemorating the birth of this unifying national philosophy.

To this day, Pancasila continues to serve as the guiding ideology of the Indonesian state. It consists of five core principles:

1. Belief in the One and Only God

2. Just and civilized humanity

3. The unity of Indonesia

4. Democracy guided by inner wisdom through deliberation

5. Social justice for all Indonesians

These principles remain the ethical and philosophical foundation for the country’s national identity and development.  But how do they connect with the mindset of modern youth?

The Youth Generation's Perspective on Pancasila

Those born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, often called Gen Z, are frequently described as tech-savvy, socially aware, and highly connected to global issues. At first glance, these characteristics might seem disconnected from traditional national values. Yet, many young Indonesians are engaging with Pancasila in thoughtful, dynamic ways.

For instance, the principle of just and civilized humanity resonates with Gen Z's strong advocacy for human rights, diversity, and inclusion. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, youth forums, or grassroots initiatives, this generation is actively promoting fairness and empathy. Both of which align with the core values of Pancasila.

Likewise, the unity of Indonesia is echoed in Gen Z's enthusiasm for celebrating local culture and embracing differences. Despite growing up in a digital era where global influences are everywhere, many young Indonesians still take pride in their heritage and seek ways to express national identity through creative platforms like art, music, and digital content.

Modern Interpretations, Same Core Values

While older generations may have engaged with Pancasila through formal education and government-led events, Gen Z tends to internalize these values through everyday actions—online and offline. Their understanding of democracy, for example, often goes beyond voting. It includes speaking up about social justice, participating in open discussions, and supporting transparency in leadership.

In fact, there are many real-life examples of how today’s youth are living out the spirit of Pancasila:

• Advocating for Equality and Human Rights

Many young Indonesians are leading or supporting campaigns around mental health awareness, gender equality, and anti-discrimination. These efforts reflect their commitment to the second principle—just and civilized humanity—through empathy and respect for all.

• Promoting Cultural Unity

Through digital content, Gen Z showcases Indonesia’s cultural richness—be it local languages, traditional food, or folklore. They take pride in their roots, using social media as a platform to strengthen national identity in line with the unity of Indonesia.

• Practicing Democracy in the Digital Space

This generation actively engages in online discussions, petitions, and civic movements, reflecting democracy guided by deliberation. Instead of staying silent, they speak up about issues that matter and hold public figures accountable.

• Building Social Enterprises and Community Initiatives

Many Gen Z individuals are involved in or even founding social start-ups that address real-world issues—like environmental protection, education for marginalized groups, and community empowerment. These actions clearly represent the fifth principle: social justice for all.

• Upholding Spiritual Values with Openness

Though diverse in their beliefs, young Indonesians are showing that belief in God can coexist with tolerance and interfaith dialogue. They maintain their spiritual values while respecting differences—a modern take on the first principle

These examples show how Pancasila remains more than a concept. It’s a living philosophy—expressed through activism, creativity, and innovation—adopted in ways that feel authentic to today’s youth.

Conclusion

The young generation’s engagement with Pancasila shows that its values continue to evolve with time. Rather than abandoning tradition, today’s youth are reinterpreting it to address modern challenges. With support from educators and institutions through open dialogue and civic education, Pancasila becomes more than just a school lesson—it becomes a relevant guide for everyday life. Together, this shared effort helps shape a more inclusive and future-ready Indonesia.

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