Cambodia Seeks to Learn Pancasila from Indonesia, BPIP Eyes Cooperation on Nation-Building
SUARA NEGERI ■ JAKARTA — The Cambodian government has expressed interest in learning from Indonesia's experience in fostering national unity through Pancasila, describing it as an important model for strengthening national identity and character while preserving cohesion in a diverse society.
The interest was conveyed by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many during a meeting with Chair of the Steering Committee of Indonesia's Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, in Jakarta on Monday (July 28), according to BPIP Foreign Relations Strategy Expert Darmansjah Djumala.
Djumala said Hun Many praised Indonesia's success in uniting its multicultural society under the values of Pancasila. He noted that Indonesia's experience is particularly relevant for Cambodia as it continues to strengthen its national identity after decades of conflict and civil war.
"Cambodia wants to learn from Indonesia's experience in uniting its people through nation-building based on the values of Pancasila. Indonesia is also recognized for its important role in helping bring peace to Cambodia," Djumala said in a written statement.
Hun Many explained that Cambodia is focusing not only on economic development but also on strengthening the character of its younger generation to safeguard national unity amid social diversity and evolving political dynamics.
Megawati said Pancasila is not merely Indonesia's state ideology but embodies universal values that can be adapted by other nations according to their respective social, cultural, and historical contexts.
She also emphasized that the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung remains relevant today as a foundation for cooperation among developing countries.
As a follow-up, BPIP sees opportunities for more concrete cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia in civic and national education. Proposed initiatives include youth exchange programs, joint research, academic conferences on unity in diversity, and exchanges of best practices in promoting Pancasila values among younger generations.
Indonesia also offered opportunities for cooperation through its National Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibraka) program and the appointment of its alumni as Pancasila Ambassadors.
BPIP expressed hope that the initiatives would strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Cambodia while advancing value-based diplomacy centered on unity, tolerance, and nation-building. (Jamil)
