Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) changed the two article writing contest themes ‘Respect the Flag according to Islamic Law’ and ‘Singing the National Anthem according to Islamic Law’. This theme previously drew criticism from civil society.
The Main Secretary of BPIP Karjono stated that the new themes that will be contested are ‘Religious Views in Strengthening National Insights’ and “The Role of Society in Overcoming the Covid-19 Pandemic Towards a Stronger Indonesia and a Growing Indonesia”.
“The theme of the competition as intended is a change and/or replacement from the previous theme, namely: Respect for the Flag according to Islamic Law; and Singing the National Anthem according to Islamic Law,” said Karjono in his official statement, Monday (16/8).
Karjono thanked and apologized to the entire community when the activities carried out were not as expected.
However, Karjono appreciates and is happy with the various inputs and responses from the community regarding the competition.
“We, the BPIP family, are happy as a new institution that has received considerable attention from the community and figures who have provided comments, input and suggestions,” he said.
In addition, Karjono said that his party recently also held various types of competitions to commemorate the Birthday of Pancasila as well as the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. This was an effort to mainstream Pancasila values in the practice of society, nation and state.
The initial themes of the article writing competition initiated by BPIP were ‘Respect the Flag according to Islamic Law’ and ‘Singing the National Anthem according to Islamic Law’.
These two themes have drawn criticism. The chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive, Busyro Muqoddas, even encouraged the dissolution of BPIP. The theme of the competition is considered insensitive to current social conditions.
Ulama from West Sumatra Anwar Abbas assessed that BPIP did not have social sensitivity in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic by holding a competition with such a theme.
(rzr/wis)
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