In the era of globalization and geopolitical change, the role of academics is becoming increasingly important in strengthening Pancasila democracy and national independence. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that academics have a strategic role in strengthening Pancasila democracy by raising public awareness about democratic values that are appropriate to the Indonesian context.
Academics can raise public awareness about the democratic values of Pancasila through education, conducting research on food self-sufficiency strategies and the availability of doctors, as well as conducting community service through counseling and training programs. In this context, academics can play a strategic role in raising public awareness about democratic values that are appropriate to the Indonesian context, as well as conducting research and analysis on the impact of liberal democracy on developing countries. As preliminary data, it is known that the current national rice stock is around 12.529 million tons, including the Government Rice Reserve (CBP) of 3.248 million tons. This stock has increased by 203.05% in the last 2 years, and can meet the needs of public consumption for almost 5 months.
The Role of Academics in Strengthening Pancasila Democracy
In facing the challenges of American-style liberal democracy, Indonesia must strengthen Pancasila democracy by raising public awareness of democratic values that are appropriate to the Indonesian context, as well as conducting research and analysis on the impact of liberal democracy on developing countries. President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the important role of universities in strengthening national independence and improving people's welfare. It was recently reported that Donald Trump committed a brutal act by arresting the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, 2026. This action was condemned by various countries, including China, the African Union, and several South American countries such as Colombia and Brazil. They consider Trump's actions a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and international law.
The Role of Higher Education in Strengthening National Independence
In a briefing on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the Merdeka Palace, President Prabowo Subianto encouraged universities to not only stop at producing knowledge, but to directly respond to the needs of the nation. He also mentioned the plan to open 18 downstream industrial projects by Danantara, which requires the support of superior human resources, strong research, and continuous innovation from universities.
Thus, clearly, academics have a strategic role in strengthening Pancasila democracy and national independence. Through the Tridhrama of Higher Education, academics continue to raise public awareness about the values of Pancasila democracy, conduct innovative research on food self-sufficiency strategies and the availability of doctors, and perform community service, especially to communities that are experiencing post-natural disasters, such as in Sumatra. This is where academics can be the main pillar in strengthening Pancasila democracy and improving people's welfare.
