Bhinneka (Diversity) is Indonesia

Bhinneka (Diversity) is Indonesia 

The Bhinneka (Diversity) is Indonesia campaign was launched by the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) in 2012. It was first launched ahead of the 84th anniversary of the Youth Pledge, a historic milestone in which young people from diverse backgrounds unitedly declared their desire to become one unified nation-state, Indonesia. This pledge has led to the Indonesia of today, home to over 207 million people from over 300 ethnic groups and 800 local languages ​​and dialects. 

However, the current attitude of mutual respect and celebration of differences seems to be on the brink. Some indications are the toleration of discriminatory bylaws in the name of religion and morality. The number has now reached 421 discriminatory bylaws, an increase of 32 since 2015. Most of these were issued by local governments to promote regional image based on the majority religion. They are considered discriminatory because they limit, hinder, and ignore the fulfillment of human rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Similar discriminatory bylaws also threaten Indonesia's diversity. The increase in discriminatory bylaws also coincides with a rise in intolerance and the perpetuation of violations of the right to religious freedom against religious minorities. 

Women are particularly disadvantaged due to their position as symbols of the community and also because of their status as members of minority groups. Various discriminatory bylaws directly target women, leading to legal uncertainty and the deprivation of fundamental freedoms. Intolerance accompanied by violence makes women vulnerable to abuse, trauma or loss of loved ones, being the sole head of a family, the primary breadwinner, and impoverishment. 

In this situation, the state's decisiveness in responding remains elusive. Instead of upholding the Constitution and fostering Bhinneka, a number of state officials, both regionally and nationally, hide behind the pretext of majority preference, allowing, if not contributing to, discriminatory policies and intolerance. Some have even openly stated that they no longer want an Indonesia that does not prioritize the symbols of the religion most adhered to by its population. 

Meanwhile, the public generally remains quiet (silent majority), unwilling to speak out due to fear of intimidation, uncertainty about potential change, or simply indifference. These attitudes leave victims marginalized and neglected. Meanwhile, the nation’s shared promise to position Indonesia as a unified nation based on respect for the differences within its society is being abandoned. 

If the situation continues to be ignored, if we don't support and remind each other, will we be able to inherit a diverse Indonesia? In response to the current situation of diversity in Indonesia, the Bhinneka is Indonesia campaign is intended to open spaces for interaction for young people to unite their heads, hearts, and works in joint activities that invite more people to care for and to help maintain Bhinneka. 

What's in Bhinneka is Indonesia? 

Within Bhinneka is Indonesia, various campaign activities can be conducted. These could take the form of creative workshops, such as sculpting, crafts, and screen printing. There could also be discussions with community groups actively advocating for Indonesia's diversity. There's also an arts stage where we can enjoy, or even perform, in musical expressions, poetry, and other forms of performances. 

The Bhinneka is Indonesia campaign (and its journey) that has been carried out include:  

In 2011, Komnas Perempuan began discussions with partners and diversity networks to find the most appropriate format for the Bhinneka is Indonesia campaign; 

In 2012, with partners and diversity networks, and involving a network of artists, Komnas Perempuan discussed “Different is Me”; 

In 2013, collaborated and collected graphic designs on diversity issues with students from the Bina Nusantara (Binus) University; 

In 2014, created murals in public places and in victim communities with a network of artists; 

In 2015, held a design and photography exhibition on diversity at Tebet Green, South Jakarta; 

In 2016, collaborated with photojournalists and held a photography exhibition on diversity at Cemara 6 Gallery, Central Jakarta. 

The Bhinneka is Indonesia campaign will continue to be implemented, and we hope to see a growing number of young people joining us in Bhinneka is Indonesia. These young men and women believe that Indonesia exists because we are different, and that it will only exist if each citizen is free to be different. Only by respecting these differences can a sense of humanity be fostered.