Internationalisation of Pancasila: Strengthening the character of the Indonesian diaspora against transnational ideologies

Johan J Mulyadi; Ratu Nida Sakinah; Muhammad Hafiz Shalahuddin

doi:10.21831/jc.v23i2.101456

Authors

Johan J Mulyadi Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Indonesia
Ratu Nida Sakinah Università di Pavia, Italy
Muhammad Hafiz Shalahuddin Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21831/jc.v23i2.101456

Keywords:

diplomacy, Indonesian diaspora, Indonesia-Malaysia border, migrant workers, transnational ideology

Abstract

This study examines how transnational ideologies interact with Pancasila-based national identity among Indonesian citizens living in the Indonesia-Malaysia border region and in diaspora communities abroad. Drawing on digital questionnaires and in-depth interviews with Indonesian citizens, migrant workers, and diplomatic officials in Sabah (Malaysia), China, the United States, Canada, and Italy, the research identifies a significant development gap between North Kalimantan and Sabah that drives border communities' economic dependence on Malaysia, fuelling goods smuggling and irregular labour migration. Socially, the Indonesian diaspora in Sabah is found to be fragmented into ethnic-based communities, with migrant workers frequently facing discrimination, underscoring the importance of diplomatic protection in safeguarding their rights and sustaining harmonious Indonesia-Malaysia relations. The findings further show that transnational ideologies, particularly liberalism and radicalism, actively shape the political outlook of Indonesian citizens abroad, who can be categorised into three groups: those who uphold Pancasila, those inclined towards extreme liberalism, and those influenced by radicalism. The study concludes that economic inequality, limited educational facilities, and exposure to transnational ideology constitute the principal challenges to sustaining Pancasila-based identity in border and diaspora settings, and argues that strategic policy interventions are needed to strengthen the nationalism of Indonesian citizens abroad while improving the welfare of border communities.

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