Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, widely known as Gus Ipul, presided as the Inspector of Ceremony for the 2026 Pancasila Day commemoration in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The solemn event was held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Perse Field in Ende Regency, under the theme “Pancasila as the Nation’s Unifier and Foundation for World Peace.”
The ceremony brought together thousands of participants, representing a cross-section of society including civil servants, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel, National Police officers, youth organizations, and students from across Ende Regency. The gathering was also attended by key regional officials, including NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, Ende Regent Yosef Benediktus Badeoda, and various district leaders and legislative representatives, underscoring the regional commitment to national values.
During the proceedings, Gus Ipul delivered a speech on behalf of Yudian Wahyudi, Head of the Agency for Pancasila Ideology Education (BPIP). The message emphasized the vital role of Pancasila as a guiding light for navigating contemporary national and global challenges. “Pancasila is a guiding star that has proven its resilience. In a world defined by uncertainty and the threat of fragmentation, Indonesia remains a tangible example of how diversity can be united under a single national bond,” the speech noted.
Following the ceremony, Gus Ipul expressed his sincere appreciation for the enthusiasm displayed by the people of Ende. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the 2026 Pancasila Day commemoration. The atmosphere was solemn, and the community’s enthusiasm was palpable. This event marks a significant milestone for the Indonesian people,” he remarked. The event included a collective performance of the song “Pancasila Rumah Kita” (Pancasila Is Our Home) by Franky Sahilatua, sung by all attendees.
Ende holds a special place in the history of Indonesia’s national ideology, as it served as the site of President Sukarno’s exile from 1934 to 1938. It was in this very city that the first president reflected upon and formulated the foundational concepts of the Indonesian nation. Honoring this history, Gus Ipul, accompanied by regional leaders, visited the historic “Bung Karno Contemplation Tree” within the Bung Karno Renovation Park, where Sukarno once meditated on the principles that would eventually become the pillars of Pancasila.
The commemoration concluded with a powerful display of unity as Gus Ipul joined approximately 3,000 students and local residents in a mass performance of the traditional Gawi dance. This performance served as a symbolic gesture of togetherness and collective harmony.
Gus Ipul took the opportunity to urge the public to move beyond viewing Pancasila as mere jargon, calling for its principles to be embedded in everyday life. “Pancasila has enabled us to become a strong nation. We must manifest its precepts in our daily actions. It is not just a catchphrase; it is our philosophy of life,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Gus Ipul praised the spirit of collaboration among regional leaders in NTT in supporting the strategic programs of President Prabowo. He highlighted their collective determination to work hard and maximize regional resources. This spirit, he emphasized, is crucial for advancing national initiatives, including the “Sekolah Rakyat” (People’s School) program and the implementation of more accurate, data-driven social assistance programs.
Summary
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, led the 2026 Pancasila Day ceremony in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara, under the theme “Pancasila as the Nation’s Unifier and Foundation for World Peace.” The event, attended by thousands of participants and regional officials, emphasized Pancasila’s enduring role as a guiding light for navigating both national and global challenges. Following the ceremony, participants engaged in symbolic acts of unity, including a collective performance of the Gawi dance.
The choice of Ende as the host location holds historical significance, as it served as the site of President Sukarno’s exile where he formulated the foundational concepts of the nation. During his visit, Gus Ipul highlighted the importance of embedding Pancasila’s principles into everyday life rather than treating them as mere jargon. He also commended the collaboration among local leaders in supporting national strategic initiatives, such as the “Sekolah Rakyat” program and improved social assistance efforts.