RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many expressed interest in studying Indonesia’s Pancasila ideology as a reference for building Cambodia’s national identity and character, particularly as the country strengthens unity after years of conflict.

Hun Many conveyed this during a visit to the residence of Megawati Soekarnoputri, Chair of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) and Indonesia’s 5th president, on Jalan Teuku Umar, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

“I am interested in the Pancasila ideology and want to learn how it can be maintained and implemented in Indonesia,” Hun Many said, as quoted by Antara.

According to BPIP Advisory Board member Darmansjah Djumala, Cambodia wants to learn from Indonesia’s experience in uniting a diverse society through Pancasila’s values.

He explained that Hun Many views Indonesia’s success in maintaining unity amid diversity as a reference for Cambodia, which is striving to strengthen national identity, especially among the younger generation.

Hun Many also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s role in supporting Cambodia’s peace process after the civil war. He noted Indonesia’s contribution through the Jakarta Informal Meetings in 1988 and 1989, and the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991, which were crucial in ending the conflict.

Responding to this interest, Megawati distributed sheets containing the five principles of Pancasila to the Cambodian delegation and explained its philosophy and application in Indonesian national life.

“I am often invited to speak at international forums, and I introduced the Pancasila ideology, including at the Zayed Award Forum in Abu Dhabi,” she said.

Megawati emphasized that Pancasila’s values are universal and can be applied in various countries, adapted to their social and cultural conditions. She also recalled her close relationship with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Hun Many’s father, and reflected on the suffering of the Cambodian people during the Khmer Rouge era.

“I feel sad every time I think of Cambodia because the Cambodian people suffered so much during the Khmer Rouge era,” Megawati said.

Hun Many noted that approximately three million Cambodians died during that period. He added that Cambodia is now focused on economic development while strengthening national character to maintain unity in diversity.

The meeting also discussed opportunities for cooperation between Indonesia and Cambodia in strengthening national insight. According to Darmansjah, the two countries could develop youth exchange programs, joint research, and academic conferences on unity in diversity.

Indonesia is also seen as capable of sharing its experience in shaping the younger generation’s character through national programs such as the Flag Raising Team (Paskibraka) and appointing its alumni as Pancasila Ambassadors.

On that occasion, Megawati also proposed holding a Second Asian‑African Conference (KAA). She said the spirit of solidarity and cooperation born of the 1955 Bandung KAA remains relevant to addressing current global challenges, including strengthening unity and identity among developing nations. ***