MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir called on Indonesians to stop wasting energy on pointless debates, especially those that question well-established national values.
Haedar highlighted the recurring controversies that often resurface during election seasons. One of them is the debate over the name “Indonesia” itself.
“Wasting energy on these shallow issues only holds us back. Instead, we should focus on deeper matters like our national identity and unity,” said Haedar at the Eid al-Fitr gathering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) on Saturday, April 19.
According to Haedar, Indonesia’s identity is built on three key foundations: religious values, noble cultural traditions, and Pancasila as the Indonesian State Philosophy. These values, he emphasized, are not in conflict. They work together to define the character of the Indonesian people.
“These three pillars are the essence of who we are as a nation. Gatherings like this should help us understand and embrace these values, reminding us that each one has its place in shaping Indonesia,” said Haedar.
Haedar also rejected the idea that Indonesia is a secular state. He quoted Sukarno’s famous speech on June 1, 1945 to emphasize that belief in God is part of both the nation and the state.
“Indonesia is not a religious state, but it does give space to religion,” he explained.
He warned against reigniting old debates that only divide the country, such as efforts to push Indonesia toward becoming either a secular or religious state.
These issues have already been settled. Reopening them only risks creating division. Instead, let’s focus on our shared identity and use it to bring people together.
Haedar added that while the constitution defines the country as the Republic of Indonesia, culturally there is room for other terms like Melanesia, Insulinde, or Nusantara, depending on the context.
