Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is the official national motto of Indonesia. The phrase is Old Javanese translated as "Unity in Diversity".[1] It is inscribed in the Indonesian national symbol, Garuda Pancasila (written on the scroll gripped by the Garuda's claws), and is mentioned specifically in article 36A of the Constitution of Indonesia. The Garuda is a mythical bird and the mount of Lord Vishnu.
It is a quotation from an Old Javanese poem Kakawin Sutasoma, written by Mpu Tantular during the reign of the Majapahit empire sometime in the 14th century, under the reign of King Rājasanagara, also known as Hayam Wuruk. Kakawin contains epic poems written in metres.
This poem is notable as, in the context of the Constitution, it promotes tolerance between Hindus (especially Shivaites) and Buddhists.[2] Scholars, however, debate the original poem's intention. Some believe it to be one of tolerance, while others believe it to be one of Buddhist superiority.[3]
The poem predates the spread of Islam throughout Indonesia in the 15th Century. Therefore, while Indonesia is now the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, the source of the motto does not explicitly acknowledge Islam in its sentiments.
Full stanza
Original
This quotation comes from canto 139, stanza 5. The full stanza reads as follows:
Rwâneka dhâtu winuwus Buddha Wiswa,
Bhinnêki rakwa ring apan kena parwanosen,
Mangka ng Jinatwa kalawan Siwatatwa tunggal,
Bhinnêka tunggal ika tan hana dharma mangrwa.
Translation
It is said that the well-known Buddha and Shiva are two different substances.
They are indeed different, yet how is it possible to recognise their difference in a glance,
since the truth of Jina (Buddha) and the truth of Shiva is one.
They are indeed different, but they are of the same kind, as there is no duality in Truth.
This translation is based, with minor adaptations, on the critical text edition by Soewito Santoso.[1]
