The challenges of diversity are not only visible on a national scale or in the major issues highlighted by media. As multicultural country, we must have at least once experienced differences that are very difficult to accept in society. We can easily see how religion has become a promising field of money, supposedly neutral educational institutions incapable of implementing multicultural education, and many organizations teach absolute, authoritarian, and fanatic thinking that blinds reason and logic. However, that doesn’t mean hope is lost; the founders of this nation were well aware of the complexities of Indonesia’s diversity. That’s why they established Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika as the foundational pillars, to realize a truly united Indonesia.
There are various ways that we can apply in our efforts to manage diversity as a driver of national progress. First, we must implement multicultural education from an early age. Children need to be introduced to the values of tolerance, empathy, and respect for differences. This education should go beyond simply recognizing cultural variety; it must instill universal values such as mutual cooperation and deliberation. Digital literacy is also crucial so that the younger generation can discern accurate information and resist provocative hoaxes. Next, fair law enforcement without discrimination is essential.
Practices of ‘tumpul ke atas, tajam ke bawah’ or ‘soft on the powerful, harsh on the weak’ only erode public trust in the legal system. People grow afraid to speak out, apathetic and choose to survive rather than innovate. Therefore, the state must guarantee justice for all, regardless of background, and must not marginalize the powerless or minority groups. Additionally, improving the quality of education must be a priority, because well-educated society is more open-mined, acts with wisdom, is capable of engaging in healthy dialogue, and produces constructive conversation. With strong education, our human resources will improve, we’ll improve, we will be able to harness our wealth and diversity, and achieve national progress will be within reach.
Ultimately, Indonesia stands at a crossroads: to become the true embodiment of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika a ‘real Atlantis’ or to remain a country hindered by differences. The true challenge lies not in whether differences exist, but in how we as one nation choose to manage them. Just like the spirit of mutual cooperation, widely recognized as a fundamental Indonesian value that is not bound by the absolute culture of an ethnic or religion, we can make it a thread that unites us.
No matter how vast the differences, if there is the will and the ability to manage them, we can transform them into strengths. Of course, this requires strong collaboration between society and government. Openness and firmness from the government in protecting all its citizens are key to realize the ideals of Pancasila. With the right steps and the courage to change, Indonesia as the real Atlantis is no longer a myth, but it is a future we can strive to achieve.
Writer: Resi Lestari, Student of Al-Ihya Islamic University, Kuningan
