UPNVJ Public Relations – The Alumni Association of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (IKA UPNVJ) held a public discussion entitled “Are Pancasila Values Still Alive in State Policy?” in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, Wednesday (June 3, 2026). Held to commemorate Pancasila Day, the forum brought together academics, students, and alumni to examine the application of Pancasila values in state policy. This discussion also emphasized the role of the National Defense Campus family in safeguarding democratic life and the direction of national development.
The General Chairperson of IKA UPNVJ, Sayed Junaidi Rizaldi, said that the commemoration of Pancasila Day every June 1 is an important momentum to strengthen the national commitment in facing various challenges of the times.
According to him, Pancasila remains relevant as a moral foundation, state ideology, and guideline for organizing national life amidst increasingly complex social, political, and economic changes.
"Pancasila must not remain merely a symbol or slogan. Its values must be truly present in the practices of national and state life, especially in policies that directly impact society," Sayed said when opening the discussion.
He believes this commitment is strongly linked to UPNVJ's identity as a National Defense Campus. This identity is manifested not only through ceremonial activities but also through strengthening critical thinking, awareness of national issues, and the involvement of academics and alumni in public dialogue.
The forum was attended by Professor of Political Science Prof. Dr. Ganjar Razuni, SH, M.Si.; lecturer in Political Science and Head of the UPNVJ National Defense Study Center Dr. Ridwan, S.Sos., M.Si.; and Chairman of the UPNVJ Student Executive Board Gufron Dimas Wicaksono.
The discussion was moderated by Arif Budi Prakoso, Secretary General of the UPNVJ Alumni Association, who acted as moderator and initiator. Participants included students, academics, and alumni, including Ardi, ST, MT, representing the UPN "Veteran" East Java alumni and Secretary General of the UPNVJ Alumni Association.
In an open and constructive dialogue, the speakers shared diverse perspectives on the challenges of implementing Pancasila in public policy. The discussion focused on the extent to which the principles of humanity, unity, democracy, social justice, and public welfare are reflected in the formulation and implementation of state policy.
The differing perspectives that emerged at the forum demonstrate that Pancasila remains a meeting place for diverse ideas. The values it embodies can serve as a foundation for formulating solutions to national problems as long as they are translated concretely, contextually, and oriented toward the public interest.
Sayed explained that the discussion also demonstrated the importance of the involvement of academics, students, and alumni in maintaining a healthy democracy. UPNVJ alumni, he said, are not only expected to contribute through their respective professions, but also through ideas, critical thinking, and concern for national issues.
"Through this activity, IKA UPNVJ demonstrates its commitment to continuing to be part of efforts to strengthen Pancasila values within society. The dialogue that is fostered is expected to generate constructive ideas, strengthen national awareness, and encourage policies that are increasingly oriented toward social justice, humanity, unity, democracy, and the welfare of the people," he said.
Sayed added that Pancasila is not only the legacy of the nation's founders, but is the responsibility of all citizens to continue to maintain and implement it in their daily lives.
"Through discussion forums like this, the spirit of Pancasila will continue to find its relevance as a guideline for building a more advanced, just, and civilized Indonesia," he said.
The spirit of the discussion aligns with the direction of strengthening national defense developed by UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm. UPNVJ defines national defense in a non-military manner through strengthening reason, manners, literacy, character, and critical thinking to face various non-conventional threats, including disinformation, intolerance, and the weakening of national unity. Within this framework, the involvement of alumni, students, and academics in overseeing the implementation of Pancasila is a crucial part of the National Defense Campus' contribution to the nation.