Jakarta. The birth of Pancasila, Indonesia's official state ideology, was celebrated at the place where it was first envisaged in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (01/06).

"President Sukarno formulated Pancasila in Ende [in East Nusa Tenggara] after a period of contemplation while surrounded by nature, animals and people. This event celebrates the glory of Pancasila in the beautiful landscape surrounding Lake Kelimutu," Wawan Gunawan, head of cultural tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, said in a statement.

Hundreds of young people from the province gathered to participate in the commemoration, witnessed by domestic and foreign tourists, at the peak of Mount Kelimutu, overlooking the lake.

The celebration included a shadow puppet show that featured a theme of finding holy water and God's grace through the values of Pancasila.

This was followed by a group of young artists from Ende standing in a circle around a monument to sing the Indonesian national anthem.

Wawan Sofwan, an artist from Bandung, West Java, recited Sukarno's original speech. This was followed by more performances.

Promoting Pancasila

The hashtag #JayalahPancasila, created by Generasi Pesona Indonesia (GenPI), started trending on Twitter on Wednesday, coinciding with the gathering at Lake Kelimutu.

The gathering forms part of the series of events to commemorate Pancasila, which peaked with a parade in Ende.

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya said he participated in the national parade in the city two years ago.

"I joined the parade and walked three kilometers, in a traditional East Nusa Tenggara outfit. I paraded with the people," he said.

He said at the time he also visited the house in Ende where Sukarno lived in exile.

"The house has now become a historical destination," Arief added.

Esthy Reko Astuti, deputy for marketing development at the Tourism Ministry, represented the ministry in this year's parade.

Ende has various tourism attractions, including Bung Karno Park, the Bung Karno house of exile, Wolotopo traditional village, Lake Kelimutu, Tenun Ikat Museum, Ende Beach, Jopu traditional village, Ende traditional market, Batu Biru Beach, Murondao Waterfall and Ende Maritime Museum.