Indonesian Support for A Free and Unified Korea

The Importance of the Principles of Pancasila

By: Musdah Mulia

I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the committee for inviting me to participate in this important discussion on this lovely afternoon. In this session, we will discuss regional moral support in the form of ideas and thoughts for Korean Dream, a Free and Unified Korea.

I am proud because our country Indonesia strongly supports the peaceful efforts that will unite Korea into a free and unified nation. Indonesia as a neutral and peace-loving country fully supports the efforts of the National Unification Advisory Council since its establishment in 1980. In fact, the idea of reunifying South Korea- North Korea is also supported by all Indonesian Presidents, from the first President, Sukarno to President Joko Widodo.

Indonesia as a neutral country that has good relations with both countries: South Korea and North Korea, is very committed to helping the unification process. I am sure that all Indonesian people always fight for world peace based on respect for humanity, freedom, and social justice according to the values of Pancasila which is our state ideology.

In the context of this support, I offer the noble values of Pancasila. Because, based on these values of Pancasila, we the Indonesian people who consist of hundreds of ethnic groups and occupy thousands of islands can unite to become an independent and sovereign nation.

Pancasila means five basic principles:

First, the principle of brotherhood expressed in the symbol of the one and only God. That we all come from one God, meaning that we all come from one source, one God who brings us to the belief that in essence we are all brothers. Pancasila emphasizes the value of brotherhood among human beings. That is why Indonesia adopts an open system and invites the world to establish friendship, because all people are brothers. So strong faith produces true brotherhood, true brotherhood is expressed in expressions of compassion and full of human empathy.

Second, the principle of just and civilized humanity. This principle reminds the state and government to always uphold the basic rights of all citizens. With this principle, all public policies formulated by the state should pay attention to the interests of all citizens, especially vulnerable, minority and oppressed groups. Therefore, the state is obliged to provide more specific protection to vulnerable groups, such as women and children, disabled groups, the elderly, poor groups, labor groups and workers in remote areas.

Third, the principle of democracy. Democracy is essentially equality and justice and respect for human dignity. Democracy demands equality and justice for all citizens without exception. Therefore, with democracy we free humans from all forms of discrimination, exploitation and violence. Democracy demands a tolerant, inclusive and open attitude.

Fourth, the principle of deliberation. This means that all citizens have the right to express their opinions freely. The government must always pay attention to the aspirations of its people and carry out its duties with full trust. However, in expressing opinions, everyone is expected to prioritize the values of politeness, not hurting the feelings of others.

Fifth, the principle of social justice for all people. This means that all forms of policies and development carried out by the state are fully aimed at realizing justice for all citizens, without exception. Social justice is manifested in the form of welfare, peace and progress of all citizens without exception. In addition, it is also seen in the condition of environmental sustainability.

Pancasila at least contains a moral message to realize justice, peace, unity, brotherhood and compassion. So, I believe that these Pancasila values can be used as a basis for peace efforts and the unification of Korea.

We must all ensure that the unification of Korea has a noble goal, namely realizing a more just and more civilized future for Korea. Upholding humanitarian values and freeing all Koreans from all forms of injustice and all forms of oppression. We must all be convinced that freedom and peace are the most beautiful dreams of all humans, including the Korean people.

Pancasila contains spiritual values that can be expressed in the form of policies, activism and social movements that respond to human and natural suffering. Pancasila’s ideas about friendship with all humans and great attention to environmental issues greatly support efforts to unify Korea.

In addition to Pancasila, Indonesia also has the symbol Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This means that even though the people consist of various tribes, languages and customs, in essence they are still one nation, namely the Indonesian nation. This symbol shows the unity and harmony of the life of the Indonesian nation with various backgrounds, tribes, cultures, languages, religions and beliefs.

The noble values of Pancasila are very much in line with the contents of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s speech on August 15, 2024 (the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Korea), in Seoul: unification lies before our eyes. “Only when a united, free, and democratic country legitimately owned by the people throughout the Korean Peninsula will we finally gain complete independence. To realize this, “I declare the vision and strategy of the unification of the Republic of Korea to the citizens of the Republic of Korea, the people of North Korea, and the international community.”

President Yoon also outlined three main tasks for the unification of the Republic of Korea. First, the Republic of Korea must ensure that the people truly possess the values and capabilities needed to pursue freedom-based unification. Second, the Republic of Korea needs to change the minds of the North Korean people so that they truly desire freedom-based unification. Third, the Republic of Korea must stand in solidarity with the international community.

According to him, only by firmly maintaining freedom and peace can Korea become a leading force that promotes free and democratic unification. The government will do its best to maintain the values of freedom in Korean society.

Furthermore, the President also promised to further accelerate the education, labor, pension, and health care reforms needed to make Korean society more just and prosperous. Korea will expand welfare programs designed to provide intensive support to those in need and care for their lives with greater compassion, thereby protecting and expanding freedom for all Koreans.

The President also emphasized the importance of solidarity in the international community. We must ensure that the international community is convinced that a unified Republic of Korea will be a country that contributes to peace and prosperity throughout the world. Korea is determined to contribute to the international community through its leadership role and to contribute to reducing the development, climate, and digital gaps among countries.

Listening to the President’s speech, I do believe that the values of struggle developed by the government and society for a free and unified Korea are very much in line with the noble values of Pancasila. I really hope and pray that all our unifications efforts together will be blessed by God.

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