Today, Muslims in Indonesia (and around the world) are observing Ramadan, a fast with deep significance in life. Beyond being a religious obligation, Ramadan also has a broad social, moral, and spiritual dimension.

At the same time, Indonesia, as a country with a Muslim majority, acknowledges the importance of religious values in national life. Concurrently, Indonesia upholds Pancasila as the foundational principle of the state, which governs the life of society with fundamental principles supporting harmony, justice, and prosperity for all citizens.

In this context, the simultaneous inauguration of 961 regional heads and their deputies on February 20, 2025, became an important moment where these two aspects—Ramadan fasting and the spirit of Pancasila—meet to create clean, authoritative, and responsive regional governance.

Thus, Ramadan fasting not only teaches self-control and patience in life but also reminds us of the importance of purity of heart, honesty, and sincerity in action. In the context of governance, these values are highly relevant. Newly appointed regional heads, in office for less than a month, can be interpreted as bringing the spirit of Ramadan’s purity, with the expectation that they apply the principles of integrity, justice, and purity of heart in leading their regions.

By prioritizing the spiritual values inherent in fasting, regional heads can strengthen the image of a clean and authoritative government, as well as become more responsive to the challenges faced by the people in their regions. At the same time, Pancasila, as the foundation of Indonesia’s state, serves as a philosophical base that integrates religious, national, and humanitarian values.

Pancasila is not only the basis for the administration of the state but also functions as a moral guide for all Indonesian citizens in their daily lives. The five principles of Pancasila, each reflecting fundamental principles such as belief in one God, just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy led by wisdom in deliberation/representation, and social justice for all Indonesian people, are closely related to the essence of Ramadan fasting.

Therefore, the regional heads inaugurated on February 20, 2025, will face a major challenge in realizing a clean and authoritative government. The democratic election process for regional heads, which directly involves the people, has given a legitimate mandate to the regional leaders. With the great responsibility they bear, it is essential for these leaders to understand and practice the essence of Pancasila and the religious values, such as those embodied in Ramadan fasting, in running their government.

The success of a regional head is not only measured by administrative aspects or physical development but also by how well they fulfill the people’s mandate with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Therefore, the spirit of Ramadan, which teaches self-control and honesty, can serve as a strong moral foundation for realizing regional governance that is clean and free from corruption and abuse of power.

The religiosity inherent in Ramadan fasting can remind regional heads to always maintain integrity in every action and decision they make. In every aspect of governance, from planning, budget management, to public services, regional heads are expected to consider not only political or economic interests but also the interests of the people they lead.

Pancasila, as the foundation of the state, provides clear moral guidance on how regional heads should act. For example, the second principle of Pancasila, “Just and Civilized Humanity,” reminds that every policy made should reflect a sense of justice, and no group should be marginalized or harmed. Likewise, the fifth principle, “Social Justice for All the People of Indonesia,” emphasizes the importance of equitable welfare for all citizens, without exception.

The newly appointed regional heads, in office for less than a month, should seize this moment to strengthen their commitment to the moral principles contained in Pancasila by making Ramadan fasting a means to enhance the quality of their leadership. The humility and desire to share with others, which are part of the teachings of fasting, can also become guiding principles in facing the challenges of governance.

Purity of heart and the intention to do good for society should serve as the basis for every policy taken. By integrating these values, it is hoped that regional heads can build a government that is not only technically successful but also morally high. In the religious context of Pancasila, regional heads are also required to execute government functions by prioritizing democratic principles that reflect the voice of the people.

Pancasila provides a guide that democracy, led by wisdom, should be the primary reference in every decision-making. Additionally, regional heads can set an example by maintaining the cleanliness of administration and regional finances. Practices of corruption and abuse of power must be avoided with all sincerity, considering that Ramadan fasting teaches honesty and good intentions.

Pancasila, as the foundation of the state, also provides clear guidance to avoid all forms of injustice, and this can be implemented in the management of regional resources.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is a member of the Expert Council of the BPIP (Indonesian Pancasila Ideology Development Agency) in the fields of Geopolitics and Geostrategy of Government Management.