The multicultural Indonesian society is currently facing serious challenges to existing norms and values. In fact, respect for ethics is very much needed in the life of the nation and state. Therefore, in an effort to revive the understanding of compliance with norms and values, Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Board of Professors (DGB) held a webinar titled “Nilai, Etika dan Moral di Masyarakat yang Multikultural dalam Menghadapi Penurunan Nilai Budaya” (Values, Ethics, and Morals in a Multicultural Society in Facing the Decline in Cultural Values), which was held last Saturday, November 23.
The Chairperson of the DGB UI, Prof. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo, S.H., M.A., Ph.D, emphasized that the phenomenon of moral degradation is closely related to globalization and modernization that is accepted without filtration. The condition is exacerbated by the crisis of role models. “We need a leader figure who adheres to ethics. The leader’s non-compliance with ethics will be a justification for society to commit violations, such as discrimination against certain groups. If this situation is allowed to continue, the country will experience various problems due to the lack of respect for values, ethics, and morals,” said Prof. Harkristuti.
Compliance with the rules—as stated in the 9 UI Values—is the main requirement in realizing unity and oneness in a multicultural society. Compliance with the rules can be interpreted as a form of equality of rights and obligations among different ethnic groups in Indonesia. For this reason, Committee I DGB UI led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.Sc., M.Eng., invited three main speakers, namely Acting Secretary General, Ministry of Culture, Prof. Dr. Bambang Wibawarta, M.A.; Professor of the Driyarkara School of Philosophy, R.P. Prof. Dr. Franz Magnis-Suseno; and Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UI, Prof. Dr. Bagus Takwin, M.Hum.
The three speakers reviewed the ethical challenges for the nation and society in moving towards Indonesia Emas 2045. Prof. Bambang assessed that the cultural shift that occurred in Indonesia was not only caused by the phenomenon of globalization, but also because Indonesian society allowed cultural values to fade over time. The logical consequence of the decline in cultural values will cause a rift in relations between multicultural societies.
The decline in cultural values in a multicultural society is inevitable even though internet penetration regulations are implemented to counter the influence of globalization. Romo Magnis gave an example, Myanmar which implemented strict control over the media ultimately failed when it was about to realize a multicultural society, even though outside influences had been repeatedly rejected. “Therefore, the phenomenon of the decline in cultural values in Indonesia must be fixed from within, because no matter how strong the outside influence is, it will not interfere as long as Indonesian society is committed to maintaining local cultural values,” he said.
Prof. Takwin said that cultural orientation refers to the way individuals and societies view, interpret, and interact with the world around them. This orientation is influenced by various factors, such as history, religion, values, social norms, and geographic location. The cultural values and perspectives contained within it can influence the way people think, act, and interact with others.
“Cultural orientation plays a role in shaping personality. This personality can then influence people’s behavior. From cultural orientation to personality, several processes are passed through, such as acculturation, socialization, and meaning or self-construal. At this stage, an individual and society should sort out the values that enter into themselves, whether they are in accordance with the values and norms that exist in this country or not. If not, for example, a culture of corruption, we must avoid such influences because they can bring harm to the wider community,” said Prof. Takwin.
