The Indonesian Consul in Tawau, Aris Heru Utomo, officially inaugurated the Teras Pancasila on December 10, a new cultural and community space located between Buildings A and B of the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau. The inauguration ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting event and an address from the Consul, emphasizing the importance of the new space in promoting Indonesian culture, national identity, and community outreach
In his remarks, Consul Utomo declared, “With the words Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today I officially inaugurate Teras Pancasila as a venue for promoting various activities of the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau, both offline and online.” He explained that the space would serve as a hub for engaging with the Indonesian community, offering a platform for discussions, events, and activities on a range of topics from consular and immigration matters to cultural initiatives.
The Teras Pancasila is designed in the traditional Betawi style, featuring a terrace that mirrors the characteristic open, airy spaces of a Betawi house. Complete with functional windows and doors, as well as tables and chairs, the terrace creates an inviting atmosphere that fosters social interaction and relaxation. Visitors to the consulate can use the space for a variety of purposes, whether hosting guests, engaging in casual conversations, or simply unwinding in a setting that evokes the warmth and spirit of an Indonesian home.
“The space is not only for consular staff but also for Indonesian citizens, who can utilize it for photography, content creation, or casual gatherings,” Utomo added, noting that access to the terrace would be managed by consulate staff to ensure it is used effectively for community and cultural purposes.
A central theme behind the creation of Teras Pancasila is the promotion of Pancasila, the five principles that form the foundation of Indonesia’s national ideology. As many Indonesian citizens in Tawau, particularly children, are born and raised in Malaysia, the Consul expressed concern over the potential erosion of their understanding of Indonesia’s national identity. He emphasized the role of Teras Pancasila in strengthening this connection, stating, “We have named this terrace Teras Pancasila to encourage the Indonesian community here to remember and understand Pancasila as the foundation of our state and guiding philosophy.”
Looking forward, the Consulate plans to expand the Teras Pancasila initiative by adding a curated collection of books and audiovisual materials on Pancasila to further enhance the space’s educational value.
Following the formal opening, a socialization event was held at Teras Pancasila, where approximately 200 Indonesian citizens who had previously participated in isbat nikah (marriage legalization) sessions at the consulate gathered. The event featured talks on a range of issues, including consular services, immigration, and social issues like drug abuse and bullying. The sessions were led by key speakers, including the Coordinator of the Protocol and Consular Functions, Immigration Technical Staff, and Police Technical Staff, who engaged attendees in a lively Q&A session.
The inauguration of Teras Pancasila reflects the Indonesian Consulate’s ongoing commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and national identity among Indonesians living in Tawau. It also marks a significant step in enhancing the consulate’s role as both a diplomatic institution and a cultural hub for the Indonesian diaspora in Malaysia.
For more information about Teras Pancasila and upcoming events, residents and visitors are encouraged to reach out to the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau.