Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on Thursday (01/06) that unity in diversity, as enshrined in the state ideology Pancasila, is the foundation for Indonesian society and must not be tarnished by any religious or political organization.

Speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the founding of Pancasila at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs complex in Jakarta, the president said the ideology was formulated over a series of months by the country's first president, Soekarno.

Pancasila was first formally announced as the country's guiding ideology on Aug. 18, 1945.

The values enshrined in Pancasila were agreed to by various stakeholders, including the country's founding fathers, ulemas, religious figures and freedom fighters across the archipelago at the time of Indonesia's war of independence against the Netherlands.

"It should be remembered that diversity is inherent to our society. It is God's destiny for us," Jokowi said. "This is represented by our national motto, 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' [Unity in Diversity]."

The president said the values enshrined in Pancasila have been threatened recently by religious organizations promoting an Islamist political restructuring of society on social media and in mass actions.

"Therefore, I encourage ulemas, clerics, priests, pastors, Hindu and Buddhist monks, educators, art workers, media professionals, the military and police, and all other elements of society to come together to safeguard Pancasila and our way of live," the president added.

Jokowi Threatens Firm Action

The president reiterated the government's resolve to act firmly against any organization or movement that promotes ideologies contrary to Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution and the country's motto, Unity in Diversity.

"We will act firmly and decidedly against any such organizations that promote destructive ideologies, including communists or other banned groups," the president said.

Jokowi confirmed the government's lasting commitment to Pancasila by issuing Presidential Regulation No. 54/2017 to establish workshop events to teach members of the public the values enshrined in the ideology and state constitution.

Reports on the progress of the program, which will be integrated with other development initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and bolstering social welfare institutions, will be reviewed directly by the president.

"The eradication of poverty, equal welfare distribution and other programs are integral parts of the implementation of Pancasila’s values," Jokowi said.