‘Nasi Bungkus’ Upholds Pancasila

Kompas/Ferganata Indra Riatmoko

Yogyakartans break their fast with nasi bungkus (wrapped rice) that were distributed during the Pancasila Day event at Alun-alun Utara (North Square) on Thursday (1/6/2017). Nasi bungkus is a symbol of togetherness and fosters a spirit of mutual cooperation. Through the so-called Nasi Bungkus Movement, Yogyakartans engaged in the unifying spirit of Pancasila as manifested in everyday life.

The commemoration of Pancasila Day at the Yogyakarta Royal Palace on Thursday afternoon (1/6) did not only involve slogans of nationalism and songs of struggle: The values of Pancasila  were  also brought to life through the actions of those who voluntarily passed out food and drink for people to break their fast. This was a typical form of Yogyakarta’s gotong royong (mutual cooperation), which has been seen throughout the region’s history.

From 1:00 p.m., or two hours before the Pancasila Day commemorative event began, a number of cars started to make their way into the yard of the Keraton Yogyakarta performance hall. Several cardboard boxes and large plastic bags were carried out from the cars.