Commemorating National Awakening: Geopolitics Shift, Indonesia's Chance to Advance - Center for Geopolitic and Geostrategic Studies

In the midst of global geopolitical turmoil and shifts in global economic order, Indonesia cannot afford to remain a passive spectator. The great leader Bung Karno instilled a strong spirit of nationalism and national sovereignty as the foundation to confront global dynamics. Bung Karno’s leadership affirmed that Pancasila is not merely a symbol but a source of moral and strategic strength that forms the basis of the nation’s struggle in determining its political and economic direction.

Under Bung Karno’s vision, Indonesia is called upon to actively assume its role as a historical subject determining its own destiny, not as an object in the game of world powers. Later, under the leadership of President Prof. Dr. (HC) Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri, this foundation was strengthened by implementing Pancasila values in adaptive and inclusive governance, maintaining national stability amidst increasingly complex global challenges.

Now, in the era of President Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia enters a new phase under visionary leadership that emphasizes the importance of strategic transformation and modernization, anchored in Pancasila as a moral and strategic compass. President Prabowo Subianto invites the nation not only to survive but also to lead in a new world order with principles of sovereignty, justice, and dignity, both domestically and internationally.

Thus, in the commemoration of National Awakening Day (May 20) and approaching Pancasila Day (June 1), it is a fitting moment to reflect on the meaning of Pancasila in relation to global power dynamics and global economic dynamics. Therefore, the symposium organized by the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI), in collaboration with the Pancasila Ideology Development Board (BPIP) of the Republic of Indonesia and the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, serves as an invitation to make Pancasila a driving force in reinterpreting Indonesia’s position on the world stage—not just as a developing country going with the flow, but as a sovereign nation determining its own civilization.

Global geopolitical changes are marked by increasing rivalry among major powers such as the United States, China, and Russia. This competition extends beyond military arenas into technology, cultural influence, trade, and governance of multilateral institutions. Amidst this turbulence, countries with strong ideological foundations have opportunities to emerge as anchors of stability.

For Indonesia, Pancasila is not just a national ideology but also a proposition of universal values such as humanity, justice, and unity that are highly relevant in building a peaceful and fair world order. From here, Pancasila enables Indonesia to pursue a geopolitics that is not dogmatic but based on balance and dialogue. In the context of Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific, Indonesia’s position as the world’s largest Muslim population, the third-largest democracy, and an active ASEAN member provides strategic legitimacy.

Meanwhile, in geo-economic terms, the world is moving towards supply chain disruptions, inflation pressures, and energy transformation. In this situation, Indonesia must intelligently seize opportunities and reject the trap of dependency. The Fifth Principle, Social Justice for All Indonesian People, requires the country to build economic self-reliance, fair distribution of development outcomes, and strengthen strategic sectors such as energy, food, and manufacturing industry. Pancasila serves as the foundation to balance economic efficiency with principles of people-oriented policies.

The ideological strength of Pancasila can also be Indonesia’s soft power in the international arena. In a globalization that often erodes national identities and homogenizes values, Pancasila stands as a reminder that global integration does not have to sacrifice local identities. In diversity and pluralism, Indonesia can offer a living example of how differences can be managed within a national framework.

Thus, it is increasingly clear that the Great Indonesia envisioned in the symposium theme is not just a geographical concept or a dream of material progress but a vision of the nation’s future that is independent in thought, just in action, and wise in responding to changing times. Therefore, the opportunity towards Great Indonesia is wide open if the nation can implement Pancasila in public policy, education, technology, and diplomacy.

Here, leadership is needed that is not only visionary but also rooted in the nation’s noble values. Leadership that translates Pancasila into a force for building the future, not nostalgia for the past. Leadership that views geopolitics not as a field of fear but as a space to expand influence based on ethics and humanity.

In facing global pressures, Indonesia also needs to strengthen its defense system, not in an aggressive sense but in a strategic defensive manner. The concept of universal defense as mandated in Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution shows that a nation’s true strength lies not only in its weapons but also in the resilience of its ideological, economic, and socio-cultural foundations. When people feel ownership of and believe in their country’s ideology, there is no external force that can undermine the nation’s foundation.

It is clear that the great challenge of the 21st century is not just about who is the strongest or richest, but about who is most capable of upholding human values, justice, and peace. This is where Pancasila finds its relevance and strength. It belongs not just to Indonesia but is a legacy that can inspire the world. Therefore, global geopolitical changes should not be feared but seen as an opportunity to present a Great, Dignified, and Highly Competitive Indonesia—Geopolitics rooted in Pancasila.

Prof. Dr. Drs. Ermaya Suradinata, S.H., M.H., M.Si. was the Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005) and the Director General of Social Politics at the Ministry of Home Affairs RI (1998-2000). He is currently the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI), and the Head of the Expert Team of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) RI.