Ethics in Governance and Strengthening the Pancasila Ideology
According to a report in Rakyat Merdeka (July 22, 2025), President Prabowo Subianto will sideline officials deemed slow, lazy, and having unconstructive thinking. This statement was made by Prabowo himself during the opening of the Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) Convention and Exhibition (Convex) 49th edition at ICE BSD City, Tangerang, Banten, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This highlights the relevance of nation character building, which is crucial for developing a resilient, moral, and nationalistic character.
From this, it becomes clear that the principles of governance ethics cannot be separated from the ideology of Pancasila, which is the soul and foundation of the state. Bung Karno, the Proclaimer and First President of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized that the understanding of Pancasila must be realized through the Trisakti doctrine: sovereignty in politics, self-reliance in the economy, and a unique identity in culture. This doctrine was clearly conveyed in his speech on May 20, 1965, at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas RI), as part of Indonesia’s geopolitical strategy to face global challenges.
In his speech, Bung Karno stressed that Indonesia’s geopolitics must be built upon a strong national character rooted in its own identity, not merely imitating the power structures of other countries. Therefore, governance ethics must be closely tied to efforts to build the national character comprehensively. Nation character building becomes a strategic step to address the moral degradation and integrity crisis that often undermine the nation’s life.
An ethical government is one that reflects the national character: honest, just, cooperative, welfare-oriented, and committed to the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Thus, public policies should not only focus on effectiveness but also on social justice and a bias toward the marginalized. Pancasila, as the ideological and moral foundation of the nation, must be implemented in every aspect of governance.
To actualize ethics and Trisakti in governance, structural and cultural reforms are essential. Structurally, the regulatory system and oversight institutions must be strengthened. Institutions such as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Indonesian Ombudsman, the Ethics Commission, and the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN) should not just act as watchdogs, but as guardians of governmental morality. Bureaucratic reform should emphasize meritocracy, integrity, and public service, not merely political loyalty.
Culturally, character education and public ethics must be instilled from an early age. Pancasila and citizenship education should not only focus on memorizing the five principles but should foster moral awareness, nationalism, and social responsibility. Training programs for ethics in bureaucracy and political institutions should also be aimed at character building, not just procedural mastery.
In the era of globalization and increasingly intense geopolitical competition, Indonesia must strengthen its ideological and ethical foundations. Global challenges such as technological disruption, climate change, and international tensions can erode local values if the nation lacks a strong national identity. Here lies the importance of Bung Karno’s Trisakti as a national geopolitical guide: Indonesia must be a dignified nation that does not lose its way in the whirlwind of an increasingly uncertain world.
By making ethics the soul of governance, and Pancasila and Trisakti the ideological and geopolitical foundation, Indonesia can create a governance model that is not only technically effective but also morally and culturally superior. This type of government not only addresses the technical needs of society but also builds public trust, strengthens social solidarity, and fortifies the nation’s identity and dignity.
Ethics in governance is a concrete manifestation of the core values that live within society. It is not merely an administrative procedure or formal rule, but a reflection of the moral commitment of public officials to the principles of justice, honesty, and responsibility. When ethics are embedded in governance practices, public trust grows, social stability is maintained, and service to the people is carried out with high integrity and accountability.
On the other hand, nation character building provides the cultural foundation that supports ethical governance practices. A strong national character, supported by values of mutual cooperation, tolerance, nationalism, and justice, will foster a healthy political and bureaucratic culture. By building a nation with a strong moral character, every public policy and action of state officials will better reflect the will of the people and the noble values of Pancasila.
Bung Karno’s Trisakti doctrine complements this foundation by offering a strategic direction in national life: sovereignty in politics, self-reliance in the economy, and a unique identity in culture. Trisakti is not only a geopolitical strategy but also an ethical and ideological guide to ensure Indonesia can determine its own fate without depending on foreign powers. When governance ethics, national character, and Trisakti are implemented in an integrated manner, Indonesia will have a solid foundation to become a sovereign, just, and prosperous nation, capable of standing tall on the world stage as a great, moral, and culturally unique nation.
Prof. Dr. Ermaya Suradinata, SH, MH, MS, is the former Governor of Lemhannas RI (2001-2005) and the former Director-General of Social Politics at the Ministry of Home Affairs of Indonesia (1998-2000). He is a Senior Expert at BPIP RI in the field of Geopolitics and Geostrategy for Government Management. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Center for Geopolitics & Geostrategy Studies Indonesia (CGSI).
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