Bhinneka Tunggal Ika

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of the Republic of Indonesia. The phrase is an Old Javanese compound translated as "Unity in Diversity." It is emblazoned on the scroll gripped by the Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem, symbolizing the nation's foundational commitment to pluralism amidst its vast ethnic, cultural, and religious heterogeneity.

Etymology and meaning

The motto derives from the Old Javanese literary tradition, specifically from the 14th-century Kakawin Sutasoma, a Buddhist-Hindu philosophical epic composed by the poet Mpu Tantular during the zenith of the Majapahit Empire. The phrase is a compound of the words *bhinneka* (meaning "different" or "diverse"), *tunggal* (meaning "one"), and *ika* (meaning "that"). Its grammatical construction emphasizes a paradoxical unity, poetically asserting that the many are, in essence, one. This linguistic heritage connects modern Indonesia to the syncretic intellectual traditions of the pre-colonial Nusantara archipelago.

Historical context and origin

The phrase was rediscovered and popularized in the early 20th century by scholars and nationalists, including the Dutch-born philologist and advocate for Indonesian independence, Hendrik Kern, and later by the historian and future Vice President, Mohammad Hatta. Its adoption as the national motto was championed by Sultan Hamid II of Pontianak, who designed the initial version of the national emblem. The proclamation of independence in 1945 and the subsequent Indonesian National Revolution solidified the need for a unifying symbol. The motto was formally incorporated into the final design of the Garuda Pancasila, which was adopted on 11 February 1950 during the tenure of President Sukarno.

Usage and symbolism

The motto is physically displayed on a white scroll held in the talons of the mythical Garuda bird, which is the central figure of the national coat of arms. It is a ubiquitous symbol on government buildings, official documents, currency, and school textbooks. Its usage is legally enshrined and promoted by state institutions like the Indonesian National Armed Forces and the National Resilience Institute. The motto is ritually invoked during national ceremonies, such as the annual Independence Day commemorations on 17 August, and is a core component of the state ideology, Pancasila, as taught in the national civic education curriculum.

Philosophical and social significance

Philosophically, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika represents the foundational principle of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, advocating for national integration without forced cultural assimilation. It provides the ideological framework for managing the country's immense diversity, encompassing hundreds of distinct ethnic groups like the Javanese, Sundanese, and Batak, and officially recognized religions including Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The motto underpins policies aimed at fostering intergroup harmony and is often referenced in speeches by figures like former President Abdurrahman Wahid and in the rulings of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia.

Modern interpretations and challenges

In contemporary discourse, the motto is both a rallying point for pluralism and a subject of intense debate. It is invoked by civil society organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to promote moderate Islam and counter radicalism, and by activists defending the rights of minority groups in regions like Papua and by followers of indigenous belief systems like Kepercayaan kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa. However, the ideal faces significant challenges from rising religious conservatism, sectarian conflicts, and ethnic tensions, as seen in past violence in Maluku and Poso. The motto's interpretation is continually tested by social movements and political events, ensuring its meaning evolves within the dynamic context of the world's third-largest democracy.

Category:National symbols of Indonesia Category:Indonesian phrases Category:National mottos