President Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir mentioned the importance of returning to the foundational concept that Indonesia’s economy is for the people, with the state taking a learning role rather than leaving everything to the market, as said Indonesia’s first vice president Mohammad Hatta.
Haedar Nashir also said the 1945 Constitution, Article 33, Paragraph 1 mentions the concept of economy.
Due to the current trend of economic liberalism and extreme economic disparities in Indonesia, Haedar said that all elites should deeply grasp the fundamental principle posited by this nation’s founding fathers.
Haedar stressed that Soekarno’s notion that “Indonesia belongs to everyone, not one group” should be upheld, and no political, economic, or cultural oligarchies exist.
Haedar firmly emphasized that all elites should engage in constant introspection, as any form of oligarchy goes against the principles of nationalism. This encompasses relinquishing Indonesia’s economy to the market, a stance also incompatible with nationalism.
“For instance, if a particular group controls our economy, is it not contrary to Article 33? Similarly, when all economic investments and decisions, including those in the global market, are entrusted to the market, does this align with Article 33?” questioned Haedar.
Liberal Politics
Liberalization extends beyond the economy and has also affected Indonesia’s political landscape, according to Haedar. Political liberalization has led to the abuse of authority and power as regulations opposed by many were still approved by policymakers.
“Besides, laws that face opposition from various parties and are then passed into law, does it reflect our collective will or just the majority in the DPR (People’s Consultative Assembly)? We must ask ourselves if this aligns with, or perhaps contradicts, the fourth principle of Pancasila, democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations among representatives,” said Haedar.
Thus, Haedar sought to provoke contemplation among the nation’s leaders, intellectuals, and citizens. He underscored that nationalism should extend beyond mere rhetoric and be grounded in practical, value-driven governance.
