UNDIP Strengthens National Ideology to Prevent Radicalism

To counteract the development of radicalism within higher education institutions, Diponegoro University (UNDIP) conducted a National Ideology Strengthening Program for the entire academic community. The program was held to anticipate the embryo of exposure to radicalism and intolerance has been carried out by the Diponegoro Campus since 2011.

Undip Rector, Prof. Dr. Yos Johan Utama SH M.Hum. stated the previous sentence when he did an opening speech on the Public Lecture with the theme Strengthening National Ideology for Diponegoro University Leaders. Appearing as a speaker at this public lecture, Director of Prevention of BNPT (National Counterterrorism Agency) for the period 2017–2020, Inspector General of Police (Ret.) Ir H Hamli ME who explained “National Insight: Building a Golden Generation 2045”, and Undip senior psychologist Dr. Hastaning Sakti MKes Psi who presented material “Transpersonal Psychology for Strengthening the National Ideology”.

“This public lecture is very important to re-enlighten us in choosing to fight radicalism. This enlightenment must be applied correctly and softly for one purpose; we are loyal to the Republic of Indonesia, Pancasila, UUD 45 and Bhineka Tunggal Ika,” said the Rector in his remarks at the event which was held online on Wednesday (11/11/2020).

According to the Undip Rector, the choice of softly fighting radicalism by instilling love and loyalty to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Pancasila, UUD 45, and Bhineka Tunggal Ika, is not new. This step has been carried out since 2011.

To be sure, Diponegoro Campus is very concerned about the threat of radicalism in the campus environment. Indeed, said Yos, the effort was not easy. As an example, laying off staff with problems in which the process was very long. However, Undip did not want to be silent and chose to fight responsibly.

The choice has been made, which is to do it legally, and of course with the right legal strategies that require complete evidence. Just one lacking could be a legal problem for the institution. “If we only shout about radicalism, it will be easy because there are no legal consequences,” said Yos Johan.

Meanwhile, the Director of Prevention of BNPT, Ir H Hamli ME, revealed that to build a golden generation of 2045, 21st-century skills are needed which includes three things, namely character quality, basic literacy, and competence. “For basic literacy and competence, I believe all ladies and gentlemen are sufficient,” said Hamli.

He explained that the qualities of the characters referred to include religiosity, nationalism, independence, cooperation, and integrity. Meanwhile, basic literacy includes language literacy, numeracy, science, digital, financial well as cultural and citizenship literacy. The competencies needed to build a golden generation consist of critical thinking skills, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills.

Concerning character qualities, religiosity and nationalism must be given together. Excessive emphasis on nationalism can make people too leftist, religious, secular. On the other hand, if we only study religiosity without nationalism, people will tend to want to change the Republic of Indonesia into other forms. Because religiosity and nationalism must be given together.

Currently, 4 major things threaten the Republic of Indonesia, namely: Corruption, Narcotics, Terrorism, Natural Disasters. Corruption is handled by the National Police, AGO, KPK, and other institutions. The issue of corruption is often used by groups as an excuse to replace the Republic of Indonesia so that law enforcement is easier so that corruption does not exist anymore. Narcotics crimes handled by the National Police and the National Narcotics Agency did not have much resistance from the public. It is different if those who are arrested are terrorists, often triggering certain groups to speak up and even cause upheaval.

Psychologist Dr. Hastaning Sakti MKes Psi. claimed that the character education for Undip new students has been carried out since 2011. In character education, students are taught to have competence; there are learning skills, namely trustworthiness, and intelligence. To have a good competence by being taught thinking skills, the organizers must also be smart, that’s where the leadership skills of nationalism are taught. Living skills are also taught, then morals and ethics become a religious human being.

“The expected result is to make students who have characters according to the Undip tagline, namely Honest, Fair, Dare, and Caring,” he said.

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