Antagonistic is a concept used to describe relationships or interactions that involve conflict or resistance between two or more parties.

In a more general context, this term refers to a situation in which one entity or character acts as an opponent or enemy of another entity or character.

In the world of literature and drama, an antagonist is a character or force that is in conflict with the protagonist, who is the main character in the story.

Antagonists often aim to obstruct or impede the protagonist’s goals and conflict between the two is an important element in the development of a story’s plot.

Meanwhile, in biology, the term “antagonistic” can refer to two substances or effects that are opposite or contradictory, such as in the context of hormone receptors and the effects they produce.

In the political context, antagonistic refers to relationships or interactions that involve conflict or tension between individuals, groups, or countries.

This can include situations where different parties have conflicting views, interests or goals.

In a multiparty political system, parties compete with each other to win elections and hold power.

They often face fierce and opposing competition on policy, political vision, and voter recruitment.

Likewise, States can have antagonistic relationships when there are conflicts of interest, territorial disputes, or geopolitical tensions. This could lead to war, economic sanctions, or diplomatic confrontation.

Antagonistic current democracy

Meanwhile, democracy, as a system of government that gives power to the people, has become a highly valued principle in the modern world.

However, in practice, democracy can often turn into what might be called an “antagonistic current democracy.” This term refers to a situation where democracy is filled with conflict, tension and strong political antagonism.

Antagonistic current democracy is a form of democracy where the democratization process which should have positive impacts, such as collective decision making and citizen participation, instead produces confrontation, division and tension in society.

This phenomenon arises when various opposing political interests and views collide with high intensity, resulting in extreme polarization.

Different groups in society strengthen their respective positions. Until reluctant to reach a compromise. This can create sharp divisions in society.

Citizens lose the ability to accept, resulting in different political views and often viewing political opponents as enemies.

Then an intense political conflict occurred. This often leads to demonstrations, rallies and political instability.

The 2020 US election could be an example, where the 2020 US Presidential election is a classic example of antagonistic current democracy. With high political polarization, accusations of election fraud and violent incidents have exploded.

Likewise the example of Brexit in England. The Brexit process, which resulted in the UK’s separation from the European Union, also reflects democratic tides of antagonism, with heightened political conflict and divisions in society.

Likewise, the example of political tensions in Venezuela. Political tensions and conflict between competing parties in Venezuela are examples of how democracy can turn into an arena of political antagonism that is detrimental to the country’s stability.

Connecting the principles of Pancasila

Therefore, there needs to be rules and mechanisms that regulate and monitor political behavior to prevent conflict escalation that is detrimental to society.

This view can be linked to the principles of Pancasila, which are the philosophical and ideological basis of the Indonesian state.

The first principle of Pancasila teaches that the Indonesian state believes in One Almighty God.

In this context, preventing political conflict and promoting effective cooperation can be considered a form of maintaining harmony and peace among citizens in a spirit of unity inspired by spiritual values.

Preventing antagonistic tides in politics supports the principles of just and civilized humanity. This means that when there is political conflict, the actions taken must be fair and dignified, and must ensure that human rights and individual dignity are respected.

The principle of Indonesian unity emphasizes the importance of avoiding divisions in society.

By preventing detrimental political conflict and promoting cooperation, we maintain the unity of the country, avoid division, and ensure that the various parties in politics unite to achieve the common good.

Democracy Led by Wisdom in Deliberation/Representation, this principle highlights the importance of deliberation and representation in political decision making.

By preventing confrontation and excessive tension, the process of deliberation and representation in politics can take place effectively, and the resulting solutions will reflect the aspirations of the people.

Social Justice for All Indonesian People, this principle emphasizes the importance of ensuring social justice in society. By preventing political conflict that could harm society, efforts to achieve social justice become more possible and sustainable.

By connecting the principles of Pancasila to efforts to prevent antagonistic tides in politics, we can see that Pancasila provides a moral and philosophical basis for actions that support peace, harmony and justice in Indonesian politics.

In this view, Pancasila is a guide for maintaining social stability and promoting effective cooperation in overcoming political challenges.

Pancasila is what prevents it

Indonesia, as the largest democratic country in the world with a population of more than 270 million people, has succeeded in maintaining political and social stability since the proclamation of independence in 1945.

One of the keys to this success is Pancasila, which is the basis of the state which helps prevent antagonistic flows in the democratic process.

Pancasila plays a vital role in preventing antagonistic currents of democracy through its principles.

The principle of “Indonesian Unity” underscores the importance of unity and integrity in a diverse society like Indonesia.

This teaches citizens that cultural, religious and ethnic diversity must be seen as wealth that strengthens the nation, not as a source of conflict.

Pancasila promotes unity as the basic foundation for achieving common goals, and it creates a strong framework for maintaining political stability.

Meanwhile, the principle of “Social Justice for All Indonesian People” also plays an important role in preventing antagonistic currents in democracy.

By ensuring equal distribution of wealth and opportunity for all people, Pancasila helps reduce social tensions and dissatisfaction that can trigger conflict.

This is to avoid inequality which could trigger tension and division in society.

Antagonistic currents of democracy often arise from dissatisfaction, political polarization, and confrontation between parties.

Nevertheless, Pancasila, with its principles that emphasize unity, social justice and citizen participation, helps maintain stability in the democratic process.

Political parties, in making policies and competing, are reminded by Pancasila to uphold the values of unity, tolerance and justice.

Here, Pancasila represents strong democratic values, such as active citizen participation and decision making through deliberation and representation.

This helps prevent democracy from becoming a mere formality – without the active involvement of citizens, which can become a source of dissatisfaction and antagonism.

However, to maintain Pancasila as a foundation that prevents antagonistic currents of democracy, cooperation between the government, society and social institutions is needed.

The government needs to ensure that the policies and regulations implemented are in line with the principles of Pancasila. The community also has an important role in understanding and applying Pancasila values in everyday life.

Thus, Pancasila is a solid foundation in preventing antagonistic currents of democracy in Indonesia. Its principles emphasizing unity, social justice, and active citizen participation help maintain political and social stability.

The joint efforts of the government and society in implementing the values of Pancasila are the key to success in maintaining inclusive and harmonious democracy in Indonesia.

Pancasila is a reflection of the spirit of unity and diversity that is characteristic of the Indonesian nation, which has helped maintain stability in society in an increasingly complex democratic era.

(Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is the former Director General of Social and Political Affairs of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs, Chancellor of IPDN, and former Governor of Lemhannas RI.)