Reflections on Freedom of Thought and Opinion Contained in the Fourth Principle of Pancasila

Theodorus Christian Gunawan

doi:10.11648/j.jpsir.20210403.12

Abstract

One of the human rights is freedom of thought and opinion. This right or freedom is contained in various laws. This freedom of thought and opinion is of course very necessary, especially in an era where democracy seems to be the most widely embraced in various countries. This is because the democratic system emphasizes the greatest possible sovereignty on the people or citizens. However, there are problems related to freedom of thought and opinion. Furthermore, the writer who comes from Indonesia also wants to introduce a state basis that is owned by Indonesia. In Indonesia there is a state foundation called Pancasila. Pancasila itself is a state foundation which is the hallmark of the Indonesian nation. This is because Pancasila is indeed suitable and in accordance with the soul, personality, and ideals of the Indonesian state and nation. The Fourth Principle contains a basis that supports the freedom of thought and opinion for all Indonesian people. However, this freedom of thought and opinion is of course limited by law; this is mainly done to anticipate if there is an abuse of freedom of thought and opinion that deviates from the common goal, namely the common good. From that reason, there is no freedom of human rights, namely freedom of thought and opinion that is purely absolute and unlimited. This limitation is needed especially to ensure that the common good can be realized properly.

Highlights

Humans as free creatures can certainly control themselves over their consciousness, will, and freedom
The author wants to use the basis of the Indonesian state because the author wants to explore the wealth of values of freedom of thought and opinion contained in the Fourth Principle of Pancasila; besides that, because the author comes from the country of Indonesia, this is an effort to love the Indonesian people more
Pancasila is a foundation of the Indonesian state, the preparation of which has gone through stages that have been discussed together; it means that Pancasila is not something that suddenly appears, but has already undergone the stages of "conception", "formulation" and "ratification" [10]

Summary

Introduction

Humans as free creatures can certainly control themselves over their consciousness, will, and freedom. One of the countries in the world that has a state basis regarding freedom of thought and opinion is Indonesia. The fourth principle contains values that reflect freedom of thought and opinion. The author wants to use the basis of the Indonesian state because the author wants to explore the wealth of values of freedom of thought and opinion contained in the Fourth Principle of Pancasila; besides that, because the author comes from the country of Indonesia, this is an effort to love the Indonesian people more. This paper intends to see and reflect more deeply on the freedom of thought and opinion contained in Pancasila, the fourth principle. The purpose of this paper is to further gain a deeper understanding of the freedom of thought and opinion contained in Pancasila, the Fourth Principles.

The Essence of Freedom of Thought and Opinion

Reasons for the Need for Freedom of Thought and Opinion

Issues Related to Freedom of Thought and Opinion

Understanding of Pancasila

Conclusion and Recommendations