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ISSN p-2540-8763 / e-2615-4374 Vol. 6 Number 2, June 2021

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika As A National Consensus And A Universal Tool Of The Indonesian Nation

Nurhayati 1), Rini Setiyowati 2), Yunisca Nurmalisa 3) Program Studi Pendidikan dan Kewarganegaraan Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Lampung University, 1, 3) Program Studi Pendidikan Pancasila dan Kewarganegaraan Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Sriwijaya University, Indonesia 2) [email protected] 1), [email protected] 2), [email protected] 3)

Abstract. This article ims to reveal a meaning contained in which is used as a tool to unite the nation. In living together with diversity can be a blessing or a source of disaster depending on how we view and manage it. The existence of diversity grows and develops over time. It cannot be denied thet we live among many differences, therefore the Indonesian nation makes a motto that is upheld as a tool that uites all differences that exist within the nation, namely race, ethnicity, , and so on.

Keywords: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika; National Consensus; United Nations

Abstrak. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap sebuah makna yang terkandung dalam Bhinneka Tunggal Ika sebagai alat pemersatu bangsa. Dalam kehidupan bersama kebhinekaan bisa menjadi berkah atau sebaliknya sumber bencana tergantung cara kita memandang dan mengelolanya. Eksistensi kebhinnekaan tumbuh dan berkembang seiring berjalan nya waktu. Tidak bisa disangkal bahwa kita hidup diantara banyaknya perbedaan oleh karena itu bangsa Indonesia menjadikan Bhinneka Tunggal Ika menjadi suatu semboyan yang dijunjung sebagai alat yang menyatukan segala perbedaan yang ada dalam diri bangsa yaitu ras, suku, agama, dan lain sebagainya.

Kata Kunci: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Konsensus Nasional, Pemersatu Bangsa

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INTRODUCTION is different from another, for example that the Communities that each have a bond of culture of the Javanese will certainly be dependence is only possible if among them different from the culture of the people of there is a consensus (consensus and on the Kalimantan, Sumatra or Papua though. This basis of the consensus will facilitate the alone can be an example that the mindset of community to do a cooperation to achieve people must be different which shows the common goals. Society has a perspective will be different too. So without tendency towards consensus, namely "to have the will to accept and respect diversity, it is certain basic values that nearly everyone in the difficult to realize national unity and integrity society agrees upon" (Abdulkarim, A., (Abdulkarim, A., Ratmaningsih, N., Komalasari, K., Saripudi. D., Rtmaningsih, N., 2018). What the founders of this nation did in 2020). For example, a society that upholds the building awareness of nationalism or freedom of every individual in a society or nationalism is an effort to maintain loyalty and democracy. Such communities will tend to devotion to the nation. consensus on the rules to reach mutual There are many differences around the agreement. The form and content of these rules Indonesian people, not a few that make a and other social rules reflect the demands or trigger for problems that have occurred, ideals of community life in a country. including an inter-ethnic case in South In the context of understanding a Lampung involving 2 parties, namely the pluralistic society, in addition to the culture of Lampung ethnic group and the Balinese ethnic ethnic groups, Indonesian society also consists group. However, this did not make these two of various regional cultures which are a camps soluble in prolonged emotions and meeting of various cultures of ethnic groups in problems, they ended peacefully in the name the area. Meetings with foreign cultures also of brotherhood of the country. Living in affect the process of cultural mixing in harmony has been seen again until now and Indonesia. Indonesian society, which is a there is no longer a circle of enmity. pluralistic society, has unique characteristics History proves that culture in Indonesia that we can know from the culture of gotong is able to survive side by side, complement royong, tepaselira, the culture of respect for each other, and run in parallel. Relationships elders such as kissing hands, and making between cultures that are closely intertwined friends with people of different faiths. are framed in a Bhinneka Tunggal Ika which is Indonesia's diversity is not just a myth, not only used as a slogan in pronunciation or but a reality that lies before our eyes. We must even we only see in the context of the meaning realize that the mindset and culture of one tribe of ethnic diversity alone, but all things that

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make differences in society can be realized and influence under Prime Minister Gajah Mada. accommodated in Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Ika The formulation of Bhinneka Tungga Ika by (Aghabian, 2015). Mpu Tantular began with an effort to overcome differences in religion and belief at RESEARCH METHODS the beginning of the establishment of

The method used literature review, the Kingdom with full tolerance where researchers collect data from relevant (Kurniawan, J. A., dan Candidate, 2018). The sources; journals and books. This technique unity and balance of the two at that aims at revealing various theories that are time was a concept that touched the relevant to the problems being importance of harmony and the relationship faced/researched as reference materials in the between the two religions. discussion of research results. At the beginning of this third

millennium heard the phrase Unity as pu i si DISCUSSION sung expression of religiosity and The History and Meaning of Bhinneka philosophical insights that deliver time Tunggal Ika honored ethos of intercultural and inter- The term Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was religious. However, it is different from first known in the Majapahit era, the leadership unversilism and pluralism. Bhinneka Tunggal of Wisnuwardhana was written by Mpu Ika reflects both and a worldview Tantular in the book Sutasoma in the XIV where dharma (truth) is one aspect multiplied (fourteen) century in the Majapahit (Butler, 2016). Then it teaches religious Kingdom. In the book MPU Tantular tolerance which puts Hinduism and A gamma write "Rwaneka dhatu winuwus Buddhist B Udha live peacefully in accordance Wiswa, Bhinekha rakwa ring apan hit formulated by the MPU Tantular. parwanosen, Mangka ng Jinatwa among In connection with this, the founders of Siwatatwa single, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika tan the Indonesian nation were inspired to make hanaharmamangrwa" (that A gamma Buddha the motto of the Indonesian nation. The and Shiva (Hindu) are different substances, stipulation of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as the but the true values of Buddha and Siwa is motto of the Republic of Indonesia through a singular. Torn apart, but one nevertheless, that long process to be chosen. The motto is not dharma ambiguous. the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika began to become a tolerance be r religion in those days was very limited discussion at BPUPKI sessions important as an element or foundation and between Muh. Yamin, Ir. Soekarno, I Gusti security features to create Majapahit, Bagus Sugriwa about two and a half months especially when it reaches a height power and

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before the proclamation. Then the motto bond that embraces diversity in a nation is an Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was proposed independent and sovereign country, by Muhammad Yamin to Ir. Soekarno to be Indonesia (Secretariat General of MPR RI, used as the motto of the state. The motto is 2012:176). It is based on the basic framework depicted under the coat of arms of the of Indonesian life that is based on the Indonesian state known as ideologue i Pancasila (five principles) states Pancasila. The coat of arms of Indonesia that the ethnic diversity of religion, race is an complete with the motto "Bhinneka Tunggal asset or wealth of the nation. Through the Ika" has been stipulated in Government concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the concept Regulation no. 66 T ear 1951 about Emblem of togetherness and ethnic unity will restore State an official motto of the Republic of the spirit of the Indonesian nation to uphold Indonesia. Then in 2012, the People's unity in diversity. Consultative Assembly (MPR) stated clearly According to Lalonde (Hardono, 1994) that Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was one of the four Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is a concept that is more National Pillars (National Pillars). than tolerance of religious differences but also The term "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" extends to tolerance of physical, cultural, which originally indicated the spirit of linguistic, socio-political, ideological and religious tolerance, was later adopted as the psychological differences. That is, it motto of the Indonesian nation. As the nation's represents a movement towards more complex motto, the context of the problem is not only unity, based on understanding that differences about religious tolerance but is much broader enrich human interactions. (Baihaki, as is commonly referred to as ethnicity, 2017) , Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as the motto of religion, race, and inter-group the Indonesian state is intended to unite all the (SARA). Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as a symbol of differences that exist in society, such as uniting the state is an effort to unite a pluralistic the vision and mission of becoming a family society with diverse cultural that protects, nurtures, respects, respects one backgrounds. Diversity and uniqueness as a another. Because basically all people in reality of society and the environment as well Indonesia have the same goal. as aspirations to build the nation are (Kurniawan, J. A., dan Candidate, 2018) formulated in the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Bhinneka Tunggal Ika has a meaning for a Ika. To- bhinneka -an is a social nation, namely a diverse nation embracing and reality, whereas to- single-ika -an is a national maintaining its diversity. Then, through ideals. The vehicle that was conceived as a Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, it is hoped that the life "golden bridge" towards the formation of a of the Indonesian people will be more focused

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and the existing differences will be considered contained in Bhinneka Tunggal Ika are not as part of the forms of diversity. These implemented properly, moreover there are differences should not be used as an excuse to many threats both from inside and outside disagree and become an attraction towards which often trigger a conflict that can divide cooperation and unity or towards a more the Indonesian nation. harmonious direction. This is in accordance The impact of this diversity appears in with the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika . Based the form of friction, opposition, and open on the above, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the conflict between community groups. Disputes motto of the Indonesian nation which has often occur from the pre-independence era to meaning in accordance with the diversity that the current reform era. These conflicts can exists in Indonesia and has values that are occur between ethnic groups, races, religions, considered good to be implemented in the life regions, and even between political of the nation and state. Such as, the value of groups. Some examples are the Ambon tolerance, the value of unity and unity and so conflict in 1999, the conflict in Sambas in on. Therefore , Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is a 2000, and the Poso conflict in 2000 (Ridwan, statement of the soul and spirit of the 2015).Therefore , it takes awareness to Indonesian nation that recognizes the reality of appreciate, respect and uphold the principle of a pluralistic nation, but still upholds unity. equality or equality within the nation itself is contained in the values of Unity T unggal The Urgency of Unity in Diversity in Diversity. Expected se shed Indonesian people National and State Life can better understand, appreciate and perform Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as the motto of every action in the life of the nation and the Indonesian state contains the meaning that bernega ra accordance with our country's the values contained in it can be understood motto is Unity in Diversity. and used as a guide in carrying out the life of This proves the importance of Bhinneka the nation and state in the midst of differences Tunggal Ika as the official motto of the that are seen as a form of diversity that exists Indonesian state. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in Indonesia. As a pluralistic country, should be a strong reminder for the Indonesia consists of ethnicity, religion and multicultural Indonesian nation and can language. It makes Indonesia as the country's understand that its diversity must be multicultural world. This is evident from the maintained. Bhineka Tunggal Ika as diverse and extensive socio-cultural and guidelines for the Indonesian nation arouse geographical conditions (K., 2017). This awareness of the general public to jointly build situation will become unfavorable if the values a system new life increasingly showing a spirit

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of mutual understanding, mutual respect, and religious nation of Indonesia as stipulated in can accept any form of differences, in order to the national motto Unity T unggal realize the atmosphere of social life that is Diversity. After looking at the histories of the serene and peaceful.(Rambe, 2017) nation's struggle also Unity T unggal Ika Therefore, Unity T unggal I ka very considered to create harmony and peaceful life important sense of urgency in the life of the that deserve to be as the state's official motto nation . Based on the opinion expressed by by the founder of the Indonesian people Fitch, 2011, there are several principles of the through a very long process(Farisi, 2014). motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika which serve as Especially at this time, Bhinneka guidelines in the development of the Tunggal Ika continues to be implemented in Indonesian nation, namely as follows: social life. The application of the values of 1. Placing the unity, integrity, interests and unity in diversity can be implemented with security of the nation and state above no n yes Pancasila and Citizenship Education personal or group interests, that aims to make the Indonesian people, 2. Willingness to sacrifice for the interests of especially the younger generations the love of the state and nation, the homeland and have the spirit of 3. Love the homeland and the based on the values contained in people, the k onsensus n trai n Indonesia one of them 4. Proud to be Indonesian and live in Unity in Diversity. Indonesia, and According (Astuti, AD, Farida. MWN, 5. Encouraging communication for the unity 2020) The following is an example that shows and integrity of the nation united in the attitude and behavior and the principle of diversity. the existence of Unity as the k onsensus n national Program of public The Existence of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as a life in the era 4.0. These attitudes and National Consensus behaviors include: Since the founding of the Indonesian 1. Live in harmony with each other in a way nation in 1945, the basis of the state and the of mutual tolerance. motto of the state has always been a topic of 2. Be fair and do not discriminate against discussion. The contents and meanings are someone on the basis of differences in always checked and reviewed considering the status, such as differences in ethnicity and changes that occur in the life of the nation and religion. state. It became very distinctive because it 3. Mutual help between sesam a which is includes cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and constituted with a sense of sincerity.

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4. Appreciate and respect someone without Through the motto Bhinneka Tunggal degrading the degree and dignity of others. Ika, the concept of togetherness and ethnic 5. Participate in various activities related to unity will restore the soul of the Indonesian the Indonesian homeland, such as nation to uphold unity in diversity. Bhinneka defending the country and so on. Tunggal Ika is explicitly reflected in the 6. Use mass media wisely. harmony of unity and pluralism that reflects 7. Introducing the values of Unity in every the reality of the Indonesian nation. Diversity activity and mempe r introduce about the in all aspects of life owned by the Indonesian current era of globalization. people is not described as a threat to the unity 8. Can distinguish positive and negative of the Indonesian nation, but is expected to be influences from the development of the 4.0 a source of wealth for the Indonesian nation era, and behave in accordance with the throughout its history (Hardono, 1994). values of Pancasila. The idea of togetherness, nationality, 9. Participate in order to maintain the moral justice, and prosperity is the people's dream integrity of the nation, and invite others to and the goal in this country. In Pancasila, participate to ward off negative culture which is imbued with the spirit of gotong from the influence of the development of royong, all social differences are merged. The the 4.0 era notion of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is actually not If the attitudes or behaviors only used in everyday life by the Indonesian mentioned above are still reflected in the people, but is also very effective for members Indonesian people, then the existence of of the international community who are also Bhinneka Tunggal Ika still exists and its colored by religion, ethnicity and culture. In a functions can be implemented properly by the shared life, diversity can be a blessing or a Indonesian people. According to Indriyani and source of disaster, depending on how we view Hermawan, the Indonesian nation must be able and manage it. The existence of diversity to face challenges in this technological grows and develops over time. Who can deny development period that lead to the emergence that every decade there are more and more of various social conflicts that can threaten the differences in this world, but if we look at the integration of the nation, including the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika which we widespread spread of hate speech through always uphold in Indonesia, this difference is social media, increasing intolerance, and the not used as a problem but a wealth that is evolution of technology that affects all levels unique (Fitch, 2011). of society (Pursika, 2009) Therefore, to maintain the continuity of the nation, diversity is not used as a threat, but

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diversity must be seen as an asset that is bind the diversity into a solid unity. A motto expected to be able to play a role as a source of that has long been known and attached to the wealth for a nation. Diversity as wealth and identity of the Indonesian nation is Bhinneka empowering it can actually become the solid Tunggal Ika. The motto is one of the nation's foundation of the unity of an imagined strong commitments in an effort to maintain community called the Unitary State of the unity and integrity, especially to stem Republic of Indonesia. Awareness as a society intolerance and the crisis of the nation's that is diverse but aspires to unity which was personality. confirmed as a collective consensus in the A heterogeneous society certainly has Youth Pledge of 1928 has become a powerful far more varied ideals, desires, and social capital that has succeeded in uniting and expectations than a homogeneous bringing this country and nation through society. Therefore, managing a heterogeneous difficult times from the past until now and society is much more difficult than managing even later. a homogeneous society. Fostering a national identity guided by Bhinneka Tunggal Ika also The Efforts of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as a requires a continuous effort and is related to Uniting Tool for the Nation various aspects of life. The position of an The diversity possessed by the individual as an Indonesian citizen who does Indonesian people in the concept of unity not recognize discrimination, lives together highlights the uniqueness of the Indonesian that is full of tolerance, and avoids various nation. According to (Rizal Mustnsyir, 1995) feelings of mutual suspicion in life together diversity in unity enables us as a nation of (Pursika, 2009). Indonesia to adapt to a rapidly changing world, The motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as and diversity serves as a place for change to one of the basic consensus of the state which occur. This can be interpreted that diversity is has a very broad scope in the life of the nation a strength for our country to unite in the midst and state, society must always re-actualize of the times so that it remains guided by the because our lives continue to develop and are foundations that support the Indonesian state. dynamic. So diversity and sovereignty ideally Pluralistic and multiculturalistic become the identity of every attitude and principles are principles that recognize the behavior in everyday life. National identity is existence of national pluralism in terms of an important thing in order to sow peace and religion, belief, ethnicity, cultural customs, create prosperity for the people of regional conditions, and race (Rambe, 2017). Indonesia. As Indonesian citizens, we must Where this plurality is respected and embody the values and principles contained in appreciated and placed in a principle that can

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the motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika to Pancasila Education Text Book for Indonesia Universities. International Journal of strengthen the unity and integrity of the nation. Instruction. As is the commitment of the founding fathers [2] Abdulkarim, A., Ratmaningsih, N., and A. of the nation who have fought for Bhinneka (2018). eveloping Civicpedia as a Civic Tunggal Ika so that they can unite all Education E-Learning Media to Improve Student’s Information Literacy. Journal of Indonesian people. Social Studies Education Research,.

[3] Aghabian, H. (2015). The Kakawin CONCLUSION Sutasoma: A look at “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” & Perceptions of the Text’s Religion The motto of Unity in Diversity has Implications. Independent Study Project. gone through a long process to become a [4] Astuti, AD, Farida. MWN, and F. A. (2020). consensus (agreement) and become one of the Menerapkan Sikap dan Perilaku yang commitments of the Indonesian nation as a berprinsip pada Bhinneka tunggal Ika di Era 4.0 dalam Pembelajaran K-13 DI SD/MI unifying nation. Given the importance of the Kelas VI. Journal of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Education. position of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in the midst of the diversity of the Indonesian people, as [5] Baihaki, E. S. (2017). Strengthening Bhinneka Tunggal Ika As An Identity and citizens who uphold the values of tolerance, it Unifier Of The Nation: Realizing A Peacful is necessary for us to put aside our ego. The Islam Statehood Harmonization. Jurnal ADDIN. motto that contains noble values is seen as [6] Butler, D. (2016). Peace and Harmony in the important to be implemented and realized in World Based on Pancasila and Bhinneka every action in everyday life. Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Journal Multicultural and Multireligius. The challenge for a large nation like Indonesia is in managing its diversity so that it [7] Farisi, M. I. (2014). Bhinneka Tunggal Ika [Unity in Diversity]: From Dinasty Policy to can have a positive impact on development. So Classroom Practice. Journal of Social Science it is necessary to foster awareness in each Educatiton. individual to be able to appreciate all [8] Fitch, R. . (2011). Moral Edication in Indonesia: a Preliminary Study. Education y differences, and be able to establish unity and Cienca. unity in order to achieve common goals. It [9] Hardono, H. . (1994). Hakikat dan Muatan takes the spirit of every citizen to be optimistic Filsafat Pancasila. Kanisius. and open-minded in responding to all changes [10] K., dan P. A. N. (2017). Counteract that occur. Radicalism and Bring Up Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Proceeding of International of Islamic Education. REFERENCES [11] Kurniawan, J. A., dan Candidate, P. (2018). [1] Abdulkarim, A., Komalasari, K., Saripudi. D., When Human Right Enough: “Failure” Rtmaningsih, N., and A. (2020). in Indonesia. Journal of Development of a Unity in Diversity-based Shoutheast Asian Human Rights.

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[12] Pursika. (2009). Kajian Analitik Terhadap Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran.

[13] Rambe, T. (2017). Membingkai Kebhinnekaan dan Kedaulatan dalam Berbangsa dan Bernegara dari Sudut Pandang Sosial Politik Nasional. Jurnal Generasi Kampus.

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