Indonesia is often introduced as a tolerant country, rich in culture and extraordinary diversity. Since school days, we have been taught the slogan “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “Unity in Diversity,” which reflects the spirit of national unity. According to Indonesia.go.id and Gramedia Blog, this country consists of over 17,500 islands, inhabited by 1,340 ethnic groups and speaking 718 regional languages. Thousands of unique traditional cuisines and dances further enrich the culture of this nation. With all of this, Indonesia should be able to stand as a strong and advanced multicultural country, just like reappearance of the mythical “lost Atlantis”.
Indonesia even has Pancasila as its national ideology, with each of its principles reflecting the idea that “diversity should serve unity”, reinforcing the foundation of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Ironically, the diversity that should be our greatest strength is still underutilized and often becomes a source of division. To truly harness the potential we have, we must know the extent of our cultural richness, understand the challenges or problems we face, and identify steps we can take to maximize our diversity.
Indonesia holds tremendous potential in terms of culture and creativity. The spread 1,340 of ethnic groups from Sabang to Merauke reflects a rich diversity in local customs, food, music even arts. It’s like we have a buried golden treasure. If it is managed wisely, these differences can become an endless source of innovation. Diverse perspectives will produce creative ideas and solutions to various national problems. For example, in design and architecture, traditional values have inspired unique works. In the culinary sector, authentic recipes such as ‘nasi goreng’ and ‘rendang’ have gained global recognition, it’s proving the global appeal of local richness.
Another example comes from Jember Fashion Carnaval (JFC) which has become an illustration of how local cultural creativity can shine on the international stage. The cultural tourism sector also contributes significantly to the national economy. In 2024, cultural tourism is expected to contributed around 4,01% to 4,5% of Indonesia’s GDP and generate foreign exchange of USD 16.7 billion. Culture is not just about identity; it is a strategic asset in national development. Yet, in silence, our diversity seems to be waiting to be maximized.
Behind the beautiful narrative of diversity, we must honestly face the reality of our situation. While other countries focus on developing advanced technologies, infrastructure, scientific achievements, and even exploring space or seeking new habitable planets, Indonesia still buried in an endless debate about identity. National energy is drained in conflicts about who comes from which ethnic group, who deserves to lead based on background, and who should be excluded. Identity politics is continuously nurtured and even manipulated by elites for power. Religious and ethnic conflicts still frequently colour our society.
The nation that proclaims Bhinneka Tunggal Ika seems to be struggling to unite of its own diversity. Violent incidents, such as attacks on places of worship and even the largest ones like ‘Poso Tragedy’ still leave scars and trauma within communities. Hate speech like ‘Jawa hama’ or ‘tebak agama’ has sadly become part of everyday discourse and even normalized in social media comments. Meanwhile, fundamental issues such as education and poverty are often sidelined. Pancasila, which was supposed to be compass, now feels like a powerless symbol.
