Banten Celebrates Bung Karno Month with Cultural Events
Museum Multatuli in collaboration with the DPR Commission X Aspiration Program led by Bonnie Triyana will host the Bung Karno Month 2026 event in June next year. A range of activities has been planned, including photo and letter exhibitions, comics of Bung Karno, the Mustikarasa Culinary Festival, discussions on Bung Karno’s ideologies, and the Istigasah Haul Bung Karno ceremony.
Bonnie explained that Museum Multatuli was chosen as the main venue because it is known as a public space bringing together cultural communities, history enthusiasts, and the youth.
“Since its establishment in 2018, Museum Multatuli has become a meeting point for cultural advocates and social activities in Rangkasbitung. The museum is not only a public space for learning about colonial history but also a platform for exchanging ideas and creativity among the youth. Therefore, Bung Karno Month is well-suited to be held at Museum Multatuli,” Bonnie stated in a press release on Monday, 1 June.
Meanwhile, the Istigasah Haul Bung Karno ceremony will be held in Menes, Pandeglang Regency.
“The Haul Bung Karno event will take place in Menes, Pandeglang as it has long been recognised as Banten’s spiritual centre,” he said.
Bonnie highlighted Bung Karno’s strong historical ties with Banten, particularly Lebak Regency. He noted that Indonesia’s first president visited Lebak three times: in 1943 to Bayah, in 1951 to observe community conditions, and in 1957 when delivering a speech on the National Front at Rangkasbitung Square.
According to Bonnie, Bung Karno’s ideas remain relevant today, especially in addressing evolving global geopolitical challenges.
“Many of Bung Karno’s teachings are still relevant today. Consider the government’s hesitant stance on current geopolitical situations. Bung Karno advocated steadfastness in defending the independence of colonised nations, as demonstrated in the Asian-African Movement. This is just one example of his enduring political legacy,” he said.
He hopes the event will serve as an educational platform for the public, particularly the youth, to learn about the proclamator’s ideologies and exemplary conduct.
“We hope the public, especially young people, will become familiar with Bung Karno’s teachings and draw lessons from them. Popular culture approaches are crucial today as they enable us to engage the youth in loving their national history and emulating founding figures,” he added.
Ubaidilah Muchtar, Chair of the Bung Karno Month 2026 Organising Committee, stated the event aims to spread Bung Karno’s spirit, inspiration, and ideas to the public.
“We want to show that Bung Karno does not belong solely to PDI Perjuangan but to all Indonesians,” Ubaidilah said.
He explained that the highlight of the event is the Mustikarasa Culinary Festival, inspired by a legendary cookbook conceived by Bung Karno.
“In 1960, Bung Karno asked the Agriculture Minister to collect recipes from across Indonesia. The result was the Mustikarasa book published in 1964. We aim to share this spirit through the festival while supporting small and medium enterprises in Lebak Regency,” he said.
Besides the culinary festival, organisers have prepared photo and letter exhibitions, comics about Bung Karno, and discussion forums on the first president’s ideas.
Organisers expect around 50,000 visitors to attend the June 2026 events.
“Our primary target is the people of Banten and Jabodetabek residents looking for holiday destinations in Rangkasbitung and Pandeglang,” he said.
Ubaidilah added that the entire event involves local communities, including SMEs, artists, cultural figures, and organisers. Through this initiative, they hope to increase tourism to Lebak and Pandeglang, boosting the local culture and tourism sectors.
“We aim to attract more visitors to Lebak and Pandeglang to revitalise local culture and tourism. We also want to encourage community initiatives in developing, protecting, and utilising culture as part of cultural advancement,” he said.
He confirmed Bung Karno Month will become an annual event. “Yes, Bung Karno Month is designed to be held every year,” he concluded.