To realize the Vision of Golden Indonesia 2045, social inclusion is a prerequisite. The principle of “no one left behind” is not merely a global slogan, but is deeply embedded in the fifth principle of Pancasila. Development must reach all citizens without discrimination.
When marginalized groups—such as persons with disabilities, women, indigenous communities, and religious minorities—are excluded, their potential contribution to the nation’s progress is diminished. Inequality can also trigger social conflict, erode public trust, and undermine stability.
Reports by the World Bank (Inclusion Matters 2013; World Development Report 2006) and the UNDP (Human Development Report 2016, 2019) demonstrate a strong correlation between broad participation in development and long-term economic and political stability across various countries. Ignoring social inclusion not only hampers productivity but also limits innovation. Therefore, human resources and participatory development are key pillars in realizing the Vision of Indonesia 2045.
Not only is social inclusion aligned with Pancasila, but it has also become a central focus of national development. Both the National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) (2025–2045) and the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) emphasize the importance of inclusive governance and equitable progress.
Indonesian Social Inclusion Index (IISI)
A recent study by SETARA Institute through the INKLUSI program, namely the Indonesian Social Inclusion Index (IISI), measures the state of inclusion at both the national and regional levels using two variables: Approach (recognition, resilience, participation, and accommodation) and Aspiration (the fulfillment of rights to health, education, economy, security, environment, culture, and decent work), measured on a Likert scale of 1–7 (1 = very poor, 7 = very good). The results show a national social inclusion aggregate score of 3.2 and a regional score of 3.3. These scores fall into the category of “basic toward developing,” indicating that further improvement and acceleration are still needed.
Although the policy framework continues to evolve, there are three major obstacles. First, political priorities. Short-term agendas related to infrastructure and economic growth are often prioritized over ensuring equal access for vulnerable groups. Second, weak coordination between the central and regional governments: many regional regulations contradict national policies, resulting in fragmented implementation. Third, public awareness of the urgency of social inclusion remains low. Without pressure from civil society, many local governments do not regard social inclusion as an urgent necessity.
Building a Social Inclusion Ecosystem
SETARA Institute emphasizes that building a social inclusion ecosystem rests on three mutually reinforcing forms of leadership: political leadership (which determines vision and allocates resources), bureaucratic leadership (which translates policies into effective programs), and social leadership (which mobilizes communities and ensures accountability). When one of these is weak, inclusive progress stagnates. To strengthen all three, several policy measures are required.
First, inclusion must be institutionalized at the national level. The President should instruct every ministry and government agency to establish measurable inclusion targets and ensure that Regional Medium-Term Development Plans (RPJMD) are aligned with the RPJMN and RPJPN. Second, the principles of inclusive governance must be implemented consistently. All levels of government should apply the four pillars of inclusion—recognition, resilience, participation, and accommodation—to ensure that constitutional rights reach every citizen.
Third, post-2024 RPJMDs need to be prepared in a more inclusive manner. The Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas) should audit newly drafted RPJMDs and require revisions to those that do not include inclusion indicators. Fourth, discriminatory regulations must be repealed. The central government, particularly Kemendagri and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham), should review and revoke regional regulations that perpetuate exclusionary practices.
Fifth, a Presidential Regulation (Perpres) should be issued requiring all regencies and municipalities to mainstream inclusive governance, preventing discrimination by both state and non-state actors. Sixth, provincial leadership should be strengthened. Governors need to ensure that inclusion is integrated across districts and municipalities, monitor implementation, and support regions with limited capacity. Finally, partnerships with civil society must be reinforced. Sustainable collaboration with civil society should be fostered by mayors and regents.
Social inclusion deserves to be prioritized on par with economic growth and infrastructure development. Indonesia’s ambition for 2045 depends on harnessing the full potential of all its citizens. By investing in groups that have often been marginalized, we strengthen the nation’s collective competitiveness, unity, and resilience.
In short, the path forward requires leadership from the top and engagement from the grassroots. Only when policies, budgets, and public awareness are united under the principle of “no one left behind” can Indonesia fulfill the promise of Pancasila. Social inclusion is the foundation of national progress—and the key determinant of achieving the Vision of Indonesia 2045.
Pradhana Abhimantra, Researcher at SETARA Institute
Ismail Hasani, Chair of SETARA Institute and Lecturer at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta