Every June 1st, the Indonesian nation commemorates the Birth of Pancasila—a historic moment that is not merely symbolic but holds profound philosophical significance.

We all know that Pancasila was first proclaimed by Ir. Soekarno on June 1, 1945, during a BPUPKI session at the Pancasila Building in Jakarta. Yet the pressing question remains: has Pancasila truly lived within our daily lives? Pancasila offers more than five foundational principles of the state—it proposes an idea; philosophische grondslag, a philosophical foundation that reflects the soul and collective character of the Indonesian people.

Through the values of Pancasila, we can foster tolerance among diverse identities, strengthen solidarity across generations and social classes, and safeguard national sovereignty amid rapid social change. As French philosopher René Descartes once said in his famous phrase "Cogito ergo sum"—"I think, therefore I am", the existence of Pancasila is a reflection of our national consciousness.

Amidst the acceleration of digitalization and increasingly complex social dynamics, Indonesian society now faces challenges both internal and external—pressures that threaten to shake the foundations of our way of life. One manifestation of these challenges is the rise of social media trends that promote individualism, egocentrism, and a dependence on social validation.

In such a context, Pancasila remains relevant as a moral and ideological compass. Its values can serve as the foundation for enhancing tolerance, reinforcing social cohesion, and maintaining national unity and sovereignty in the face of shifting times. Furthermore, just as thought can shape human morality and character, Pancasila in today’s modern life serves as a reminder of our identity as citizens grounded in conviction and principle.

Behind the sentiment that Pancasila is merely an ideology written in the pages of history, lies a deeper truth: Pancasila is not just an idea—it is a driving force of social life. It is the result of collective deliberation prior to Indonesia's formal independence on August 17, 1945.

By recognizing that Pancasila is, in essence, the aspiration and hope of the Indonesian people, we can understand it as a form of rational consciousness—an idea echoed by German sociologist Max Weber. According to him, social action holds meaning only when directed toward others. The collective awareness embodied in the five principles of the Garuda’s shield can be seen in Indonesian society’s everyday practices: the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), solidarity in decision-making, and efforts to promote justice through subsidies such as electricity and infrastructure to ensure equitable access for all.

“Not all human behavior is social in character; this is limited to actions meaningfully oriented toward others,” Max Weber stated, as quoted in Social Media: A Critical Introduction by Christian Fuchs.

In this context, Pancasila functions as a framework that mobilizes the social actions of the Indonesian people. Just as philosophies like existentialism, Marxism, and positivism can drive human behavior, so too does Pancasila inspire the collective actions of this nation.

Yet Pancasila means nothing without reflection and practice. It is not merely a noble idea written into the Constitution—it is the living soul and body of the nation. In every academic pursuit, social contribution, and intellectual dialogue, the spirit of Pancasila must continue to burn. Here lies the responsibility of students and educators alike: to ignite the flame of the Garuda, to ensure that Pancasila is not only remembered—but lived.