Pancasila and Kampus Merdeka: Striking the Right Balance

Abstract

This philosophical cornerstone of Indonesian culture ‘Pancasila’ comprises five principles that serve as the nation's fundamental values. These principles are designed to guide Indonesia's political, social and cultural spheres by fostering national unity and identity. This paper investigates challenges Indonesian educators, practitioners and civil society encounter in delineating culturally pertinent conceptions of 'attitudes' within the ‘Kampus Merdeka’ framework. The authors examine the construction and practical articulation of these attitudes within an Indonesian context. The discussion also elucidates potential obstacles and opportunities in cultivating vocational attitudes that incorporate broader Indonesian cultural values. In this endeavour, ‘Pancasila’ is the guiding principle behind Indonesian character development, however, in the context of an educational policy focussing on developing the correct 'attitude' for work and working life, the Pancasila character development is being challenged. While our literature search revealed a breadth of conceptual findings, theories, opinions and views, four dominant themes emerged.