October 1 always comes with a distinct atmosphere. Flags are raised, the national anthem fills the air, and for a few minutes, hundreds of people who are usually busy with their own routines stand together in a single line. Some are students who stayed up late the night before, while others are lecturers carrying bags filled with documents. They come from different backgrounds, yet on that field, they face the same direction.

Pancasila Sanctity Day invites us to reflect on the tragedy that claimed the lives of several high-ranking officers of the Indonesian Army. The commemoration was established through Presidential Decree No. 135 of 1967. From this dark chapter in history, we learn that unity does not simply happen on its own. It must be continuously nurtured so that it does not fall apart.

Endah Budi Heriani, Director General of Cultural and Traditional Protection at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, explained that Pancasila serves as an essential foundation for bringing together Indonesia’s diverse society. According to her, diversity is a strength that can help realize the nation’s aspirations. This means returning to the values and philosophy of Pancasila in our everyday social and civic lives. The question, therefore, is not simply, “Do we remember all five principles?” but rather, “Where do these values live in our daily lives?”

Being sovereign means thinking independently: not easily being swept up by misinformation, having the courage to create, and taking pride in the potential of our own people. Being just means treating everyone equally, from lecturers who assess students objectively to students who respect opinions different from their own. Prosperity is not merely about material wealth. It is about shared well-being, when the knowledge we gain can create opportunities and bring meaningful benefits to others.

Within UNDIRA’s academic environment, the three core values of Visionary, Integrity, and Professionalism encourage the younger generation not to remain passive bystanders in the pursuit of national sovereignty and the practice of Pancasila. Instead, they are encouraged to become active contributors to meaningful change and help shape a more positive future through the spirit of VIP.

Being visionary means having the courage to imagine the Indonesia we want to build twenty years from now, and then taking meaningful steps toward it today. Integrity means remaining honest even when no one is watching, while wholeheartedly recognizing that every process of change carries responsibility. Professionalism means carrying out our duties and responsibilities with dedication while respecting the efforts and contributions of others.

In the modern era, the challenges may take different forms. Social media often surrounds us with people who share similar perspectives, making differences seem unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Pancasila encourages us to step outside that bubble: to remain respectful in comment sections, verify information before sharing it, and be willing to listen even when we do not agree.

Pancasila Sanctity Day is a moment to reflect once again on the values and philosophy of Pancasila and how they can be practiced in our social and civic lives. Let us embrace the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, Unity in Diversity. Differences in ethnicity, religion, and perspectives should not be reasons for division, but opportunities for us to complement and strengthen one another. Happy Pancasila Sanctity Day, October 1, 2026.

With full commitment in body and spirit, this year we band together under the theme of “Pancasila as the Unifying Force for the future of the Nation toward a Sovereign, Just, and Prosperous Indonesia.”. May we move forward in prosperity and harmony.