The Dark Chapter of Indonesian History
Every year on 1 October, Indonesia marks Hari Kesaktian Pancasila (Pancasila Sanctity Day), a solemn reminder of the country’s resilience in the face of dividing forces. It represents the triumph of Indonesia’s basic values, as codified in Pancasila, over a period of deep national turmoil. This day commemorates not just the preservation of Pancasila, but also the long-lasting unity of a country whose history has been marked by political turmoil.
The events leading up to the annual remembrance of Hari Kesaktian Pancasila are inextricably linked to the events of 30 September 1965, a tragic day in Indonesian history. A covert movement known as Gerakan 30 September (G30S) launched a deadly coup attempt. A group of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) started the operation with the goal of overthrowing the government and establishing a communist rule. Key Indonesian military commanders were targeted in a painstakingly planned operation, with seven high-ranking army officers abducted and brutally slain. This act of violence caused a nationwide shock, known as the G30S incident.
The G30S movement’s motivations were complicated, stemming from political and ideological tensions between the military and PKI. Throughout the early 1960s, Indonesia was in ideological turmoil, with President Sukarno striving to strike a balance between communism, nationalism, and religion. The coup attempt was a tipping point that threatened to plunge Indonesia into civil war.
The events of 30th September triggered a rapid and resolute national response. On the morning of 1 October 1965, the military, led by Major General Suharto, suppressed the rebellion and regained control of Jakarta. Suharto’s quick steps were vital to restoring order and neutralising the PKI threat. The defeat of the coup d’état prepared the door for Pancasila Sanctity Day, a symbolic day commemorating the survival and sanctity of the Pancasila doctrine.
Pancasila, Indonesia’s founding ideological theory, is based on five principles: belief in one God, a just and civilised mankind, Indonesian unity, democracy guided by the wisdom of representatives, and social justice for all Indonesians. These ideals act as a unifying factor in a multicultural and pluralistic country. Despite an attempted overthrow, Pancasila emerged stronger, reaffirming its status as the nation’s guiding light.
Following the coup, Indonesia experienced significant political and social instability. In the months that followed, there was a statewide purge of alleged PKI members and sympathisers, ushering in one of Indonesia’s darkest periods. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed during the military-led campaign to apprehend communist organisations and suspected affiliates. This phase of anti-communist sentiment profoundly transformed the political landscape in Indonesia, cementing Major General Suharto’s position as the country’s de facto leader.
In 1967, Suharto officially acquired the presidency, ushering in the New Order era. His administration emphasised Pancasila as a foundation of national identity, incorporating its ideas into educational curricula, administrative programs, and the fabric of Indonesian society. Hari Kesaktian Pancasila has become an important annual festival, a day to reflect on the country’s resilience and principles.
Hari Kesaktian Pancasila is more than just a memorial to a failed coup; it symbolises Indonesia’s everlasting dedication to its national ideology. On this day, the nation reflects on the historical lessons learnt from the events of 1965 and renews its commitment to Pancasila as the foundation of governance and national unity. Ceremonies are held across the country, with a significant state event taking place at the Pancasila Sakti Monument in Lubang Buaya, Jakarta, where the assassinated generals are interred. The Indonesian President traditionally leads this solemn ceremony, which includes military processions and prayers for the martyrs who have died. Schools and institutions engage in festivities, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this day in preserving national unity.
The observance emphasises the importance of pluralism in a country as diverse as Indonesia, with its numerous races, faiths, and languages. Pancasila serves as a bridge between these disparities, encouraging a feeling of shared purpose. Indonesians commemorate the sanctity of Pancasila by honouring the key ideas that have kept the country united in the face of external and internal forces.
Today, the Pancasila values remain important to Indonesian politics and society, even as the country’s issues grow. In today’s political scene, when extremism, corruption, and global economic upheavals abound, Pancasila’s demand for unity and social justice is more important than ever. However, there is ongoing dispute regarding how to interpret and execute its values. Some say that certain members of the political class have utilised Pancasila as a weapon to consolidate power rather than as an ideology to benefit the people. In recent years, there have been efforts to strengthen Pancasila education, particularly among young people. The Indonesian government continues to promote its values as critical to sustaining national stability and progress, especially in the face of globalisation and internal polarisation.
At its essence, Hari Kesaktian Pancasila is a day for introspection. It serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s strength, which is its capacity to retain togetherness in the face of variety. The durability of Pancasila, as exemplified by the events of 1965, demonstrates the country’s commitment to coexistence and peace. As the country progresses, the lessons learnt from this historical period remain critical. Just as the Indonesian people remained steady in protecting their ideological underpinning during a crisis, they are now expected to sustain the same values—democracy, fairness, and unity—in the face of new obstacles.
Hari Kesaktian Pancasila is both a monument to a near-collapse and a celebration of national principles. It is a sorrowful but hopeful reminder that Indonesia’s greatest strength is its capacity to remain unified in diversity while adhering to the eternal Pancasila principles.
