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Indonesia's Pancasila: A National Ideology Earns Global Islamic Recognition
The Secretary-General of the World Muslim League provided a powerful external validation of Pancasila, framing it not just as a national philosophy but as a system whose values resonate with and reflect the higher goals of Islamic law.
Jakarta — Indonesia's state ideology, Pancasila, received a significant endorsement from the global Islamic community during a strategic dialogue with the World Muslim League (MWL) in early December 2025. The event, hosted by the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), moved beyond domestic discourse to position Pancasila on an international stage, particularly within the context of Islamic thought. MWL Secretary-General Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa's explicit alignment of Pancasila with the objectives of Islamic law (maqashid syariah) provided a profound theological and philosophical affirmation from a leading Islamic authority, bolstering Indonesia's narrative as a harmonious Muslim-majority democracy.
MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani set the stage by connecting the nation's ideological strength to its practical resilience. He began by addressing the natural disasters affecting several provinces, pointing to the community's spiritual response as evidence of the nation's character. Muzani argued that this resilience is directly nurtured by the teachings of ulama and kiai, who instill patience and a sense of shared fate among the people, thereby forming the social bedrock upon which the state functions. This linkage between faith, community leadership, and national fortitude was presented as a unique feature of the Indonesian experience.
Chairman Muzani then elaborated on the constitutional compromise that birthed Pancasila, acknowledging the historical debates among the nation's founders. He emphasized that Indonesia was established as a unitary state based on a collective agreement, not as a religious state. This foundational history, he contended, has allowed diverse religions to not merely coexist but to flourish and strengthen one another within the national framework. The freedom to worship, guaranteed by Pancasila, is thus framed as a pillar of national unity rather than a concession.
The Chairman paid special tribute to Indonesia's religious figures, whom he called the "guides of the people." He credited them with actively preserving harmony and stated that state officials are indebted to their unsolicited and dedicated work within society. Muzani expressed hope that the presence of Secretary-General Al-Issa would help demonstrate to the world that the Indonesian values of brotherhood and mutual cooperation are not theoretical but are practiced vigorously.
Dr. Muhammad Al-Issa's address served as the cornerstone of the dialogue's international dimension. He offered unreserved praise, declaring Indonesia a premier global example of coexistence and moderation. His most impactful statement was a theological appraisal: he asserted that Pancasila is "in line with maqashid syariah" and is a "real reflection of the values of wise sharia". This endorsement from a major Islamic figure provides a powerful counter-argument to any claims that the secular-leaning state ideology is incompatible with a Muslim identity.
Beyond praise, Dr. Al-Issa addressed a pressing global concern: the rise of Islamophobia. He referenced the UN's designation of an International Day to Combat Islamophobia and his role in its inaugural commemoration, framing the fight against anti-Muslim hatred as a global imperative. In this context, Indonesia's model is presented not just as a domestic success but as an essential tool in a worldwide struggle against prejudice, offering a tangible example of a peaceful and integrated Muslim society.
The Secretary-General also highlighted concrete collaborations, noting that Indonesian scholars made substantial contributions to two landmark MWL documents: the Mecca Charter and a document on relations between Islamic schools of thought. This point underscored that Indonesia's role is active and intellectual, contributing to global Islamic discourse. He further detailed the League's initiatives to build civilizational bridges and host interfaith conferences, rejecting clash-of-civilizations theories and promoting a vision of universal human values.
In his closing, Dr. Al-Issa extended condolences for Indonesia's flood victims, weaving a thread of shared human empathy through the discussion of high ideals. The dialogue, therefore, accomplished multiple objectives: it offered global Islamic legitimacy to Pancasila, showcased Indonesia as a practical answer to Islamophobic narratives, and reinforced the country's active role in international Islamic diplomacy. It positioned Indonesia's national philosophy as a point of convergence between national identity, Islamic ethics, and universal humanitarian principles.
(Qiyas Zia)
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