August 17, 2019

74 years ago today, Indonesia 🇮🇩 was unshackled from the brutality of Dutch rule. Unlike the Eastern Arab World, which immediately embraced racial ideology and ultra-nationalism, and the Muslims of India, whom were misled into the violence of Partition, Indonesians chose to support peaceful transition, inter-religious harmony, and the best Islam has to offer. What was different in Indonesia was that the “Union of Islamic Scholars” objected to Saudi Arabian attempts to inject religious nationalism into their equation. They insisted on the passage of a constitutional provision now known as “Pancha Asila” or the five principles to protect the civil & religious freedom of all. As Indonesians now struggle to embrace democracy, their legacy of tolerance and commitment to Pluralism is a standard we should all rise to meet.

Jaya Indonesia & Tujuhbelasan Mubarak.