Pancasila democracy is the basic principle of the Indonesian state that places the interests of the people as the top priority. However, amidst the dynamics of globalization and the rapid development of information technology, there are various threats that can disrupt the foundation of this democracy.

Therefore, it is important for Indonesians to be aware of various potential threats to Pancasila Democracy. One of the main threats to Pancasila Democracy is the dominance of foreign political and economic interests. Where the influx of political capital or external influences can affect political decisions within the country, and blur the lines between national and foreign interests.

At the same time, the potential influence of foreign cultures that are not in line with the values of Pancasila is a challenge that needs to be faced. The uncontrolled spread of a culture of consumerism, or the glorification of foreign lifestyles, can threaten social equality and affect the cultural identity of Indonesian society. If foreign values are more dominant than local values, this could lead to a loss of Indonesian identity.

Thus, Indonesia’s national identity, which is built on the foundation of diversity and unity, has become a solid foundation for this country – instead it can be fragile. So the era of globalization, which is filled with the dominance of foreign cultures, is certainly an increasingly real risk of eroding this identity. Indonesia is known as a country rich in cultural diversity. From Sabang to Merauke, we witness the diversity of customs, languages and traditions that strengthen diversity as one of the greatest wealth of this nation.

However, when foreign cultures take over the stage, there is a threat to the sustainability of this diversity. The imbalance between local and foreign cultures can create dissonance in people’s lives. After all, the dominance of foreign culture has the potential to change the behavior, lifestyle and values of Indonesian society. ¬The popularity of foreign mass media and digital platforms has shifted entertainment and information consumption preferences from local to foreign cultures. As a result, interest in local arts, traditions and languages is declining.

Meanwhile, in the economic sector, the dominance of foreign cultures has also impacted on people’s consumption patterns. The emergence of international brands and the culture of consumerism introduced by foreign cultures can reduce the value of simplicity and local wisdom. As a result, local products and lifestyles become less desirable, threatening the survival of creative and traditional industries in Indonesia.

The impact on national identity can also be seen in the political and social spheres. If foreign values dominate local values, Indonesians may experience identity confusion and a lack of sense of nationhood. This has the potential to lead to social polarization and conflict between community groups, threatening the unity and stability of the nation.

Maintaining Indonesia’s national identity in the face of foreign cultural dominance is a necessity that cannot be ignored. The government should take steps to protect and promote local culture as an integral part of national identity. This can be done through public policies that support local creative industries, education that strengthens awareness of cultural heritage, and the promotion of local culture at national and international levels.

At the same time, the active role of the community is crucial in maintaining national identity. Through appreciation and participation in local cultural activities, people can appreciate the values of their heritage and make it an integral part of their identity.

In an increasingly connected era of globalization, it is important for us to maintain a balance between enriching ourselves with foreign cultures and maintaining national identity. Only by doing so, we can ensure that the Indonesian identity remains strong and resilient, facing the challenges of an ever-evolving foreign culture.

Where globalization has also become the main motor in the spread of foreign and transnational cultures around the world. In an era of fast-moving information and increasingly close global connectivity, cultural influences from outside the country easily penetrate national boundaries. This clearly has a significant impact on various aspects of Indonesian society.

It can then be examined that globalization also facilitates the spread of foreign cultures through various mass media. Foreign television programs, movies and music are now easily accessible to Indonesians through cable television channels, the internet and streaming platforms. As a result, Indonesians’ lifestyles can be influenced by cultural trends from different parts of the world. Fashion trends, hairstyles, and food consumption patterns can be influenced by popularity from Western or Asian countries.

Information technology also plays a major role in the spread of foreign cultures. Through the internet and social media, individuals can easily connect with cultures and values from different countries. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube have become places for individuals to share experiences and ideas, including their own culture.

The impact of the spread of this foreign and transnational culture cannot be ignored. One of the main impacts is on the values and cultural identity of Indonesian society. By being more open to foreign cultures, there is a risk that traditional values and local identities may be eroded. Young Indonesians may be more exposed to Western values of individualism and consumerism than to the values of togetherness and gotong royong that are part of the local culture.

Therefore, in the face of foreign and transnational cultural influences, it is important for Indonesians to maintain a balance between enriching themselves with foreign cultures and preserving their own cultural identity. The government must also play a role in regulating the healthy diffusion of foreign cultures and providing protection to local cultural values and identities.

By doing so, we can face the challenges of globalization wisely and ensure that Indonesia remains strong in the face of ever-evolving global cultural currents.

Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.Si. is a former Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005) and Director General of Social and Political Affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs (1998-2000). He is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI), Chairman of the Expert Council Team of the Indonesian Ideology Development Agency (BPIP).