Political ethics important for younger generation

Seniors of the Association of Retired Army Personnel, Communication Forum of Children of the Military and Police Force, and Suluh Nuswantara Bakti Foundation should inculcate ethical political values in the youth, President Joko Widodo stated.

"(There is a need) to educate the younger generation on the ethics of politics, righteous ways of speaking, how to praise seniority, and ways to maintain the values of politeness," the president stated during his speech while opening the 2017 National Symposium for Culture in Jakarta on Monday.

The statement was made by the president, as he believes that several political elites have yet to hand down sound political knowledge to the public, especially the younger generation.

"If we look at it, there are still many who are supporting foreigners, henchmen, and the rise of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). For me, if the PKI is really on the rise, I could easily shut it down, as the TAP MPRS is still being applied. There is no reason to be concerned about this issue. There are also matters that are related to anti-Islam. We need to start conveying an ethical way of conducting politics," he stated.

The president further noted that the public, especially children, should be made aware of the polite ways of conducting politics, so that their nationalism towards Indonesia would not fade as they grow older.

To this end, Widodo said his government has formed a Presidential Work Unit for Pancasila Ideology Development and issued Presidential Decree Number 87 of 2017 on education to strengthen the character of the younger generation.

Indonesia`s nationalistic values, including politeness and modesty, are all part of the ideology of Pancasila and should be conveyed on an ongoing basis to our children. It is all about maintaining harmony, relations, and tolerance," he remarked.

President Widodo expressed belief that currently, in addition to teachers and parents, the younger generation is gaining information from social media.

"Do not be mistaken, as our children today are not only being educated by teachers and parents but are also learning more from social media. The power of social media, which is open, is influential and affects almost all sectors, ranging from economy and politics to social aspects, and we need to anticipate this," he emphasized.

The president then reminded the audience of the rapid developments in information technology that cannot be contained, and this has transformed the economic and political landscapes, at both the national and international levels.

"If this is not anticipated, and we do not develop the character of Indonesia`s youth, the nation`s values will be eroded if the preparation does not start from the right stage," the president cautioned

Source: ANTARA