PDI Perjuangan chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stated the\nimportance of the Asia-Africa Conference (KAA) spirit in addressing\ncurrent global geopolitical dynamics. Every KAA commemoration, she said,\nalways reminds of Soekarno or Bung Karno\u2019s grand vision in fighting for\nthe liberation of nations from colonialism.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spirit of liberation is rooted in humanitarian values and\ninternationalism as enshrined in Pancasila,\u201d said Megawati during the\n71st KAA commemoration held in Jakarta on 18 April 2026. According to\nher, these values provide a strong foundation for building brotherhood\namong nations while combating colonialism and imperialism.<\/p>\n
Megawati recounted that the KAA is a significant milestone in world\nhistory, involving 29 countries that at the time represented more than\nhalf of the global population. The forum, she said, marked the beginning\nof the decolonisation movement and strengthened the position of\ndeveloping countries on the international stage. Indonesia\u2019s\nindependence also served as an inspiration for the struggles of nations\nin Asia and Africa.<\/p>\n
She also highlighted Indonesia\u2019s active role after the KAA in\nbuilding global solidarity, from conferences of students, women, to\nAsian-African intellectuals. One of the other important milestones is\nthe birth of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which she described as a\ncontinuation of the KAA spirit in facing the tug-of-war between the\nWestern Bloc and the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War era. \u201cThe NAM is\nnot merely cooperation among developing countries, but an effort to\nbuild a new world order free from colonialism,\u201d said Megawati.<\/p>\n
In the current context, Megawati assessed that the world is facing\nvarious geopolitical conflicts that show the fragility of the\ninternational system. She thus emphasised the importance of Bung Karno\u2019s\nideas in his speech at the United Nations titled \u201cTo Build The World A\nNew\u201d in 1960, which called for global system reform to make it more just\nand equal.<\/p>\n
According to Megawati, principles such as inter-nation equality,\nrejection of foreign intervention, and respect for state sovereignty are\nincreasingly relevant amid rising international tensions.<\/p>\n
She also revived Bung Karno\u2019s concept of dividing the world between\nThe New Emerging Forces and The Old Forces. Although differing in levels\nof advancement, Megawati stressed that both groups must unite in\nfighting for humanity, justice, and world peace.<\/p>\n
Megawati assessed that neo-colonial practices continue to this day,\nalbeit in different forms and approaches. Therefore, she encouraged\nrenewed strengthening of global solidarity through forums like the\nsecond volume of KAA.<\/p>\n
She then stated that Pancasila has proven capable of serving as a\nfoundation in building a peaceful and just world order. Indonesia\u2019s role\nis important in global affairs, prioritising national interests while\ncontributing to world peace.<\/p>\n
Megawati said that the 71st KAA commemoration is a momentum to revive\nthe spirit of international solidarity and strengthen Indonesia\u2019s\nposition as a pioneer of world peace. Indonesia was born with the spirit\nof building a new world order. Pancasila can work within the\ninternational system and offer a more peaceful, equal, sovereign world\norder, free from the tug-of-war of great power interests.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/megawati-recalls-soekarnos-grand-vision-during-kaa-commemoration-1776700243", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }