A press release on behalf of Suara Mahasiswa (Suma) UI has launched open criticism against a post by the BEM of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Indonesia (UI) related to the Pride Month commemoration. The group highlighted how the Pancasila narrative was used in the content, emphasizing that using the state ideology to justify a specific agenda is a move that deserves criticism.
In a statement titled 'Do Not Use Pancasila as a Shield for Ideological Agendas', Suma UI assessed that the attempt to link the precept 'Just and Civilized Humanity' to support the Pride Month campaign is a misleading simplification. According to them, respecting human dignity does not automatically require approval of certain behaviors or views that remain debated in society.
Suma UI also emphasized the importance of interpreting Pancasila holistically, including the first precept concerning 'Belief in the One and Only God', which is seen as the foundation of the nation's morality. The group expressed concern that the narrative built by the Psychology BEM UI might trigger a dichotomy within the academic community, instead of building a healthy space for scientific discussion based on ethics, law, and diverse perspectives.
Nevertheless, in the statement, they reaffirmed their firm stance against all forms of violence, persecution, and intimidation against any group. However, they clearly distinguished between the obligation to respect human rights and the necessity to accept ideological views that conflict with religious norms and local culture.
In closing, Suma UI called for the importance of strong character education for the younger generation to preserve national identity. They hope the campus remains an academic space capable of balancing humanitarian values with the boundaries of Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution, and local cultural wisdom to maintain national unity.
