Contents of Megawati's Congratulatory Letter to Iran's New Supreme Leader
Indonesia’s fifth President and Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), Megawati Soekarnoputri, offered her congratulations on the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi. Megawati conveyed her message through a letter delivered to the Iranian Ambassador for forwarding to Mojtaba Khamenei.
In the letter, Megawati offered sincere congratulations on the selection of Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as Rahbar (Supreme Leader) of the Islamic Republic of Iran through the democratic decision of the 88-member Assembly of Experts. The message was conveyed by Megawati in her capacity as Indonesia’s fifth President, on behalf of her personal capacity, the extended family of Sukarno, and the Indonesian nation, which upholds the importance of friendship amongst nations.
“This election takes place amid challenges and circumstances that are not entirely conducive, yet Your Excellency has managed to earn great confidence from Iran’s ulama and people. This election bears witness to Your Excellency’s leadership, capability, profound knowledge, and steadfastness, enabling you to transcend the barriers of difference and unite Iran’s leadership,” she wrote.
She stated that Sukarno, as Indonesia’s Proclamator and founding father, consistently emphasised the importance of national unity, national self-reliance, and steadfastness in maintaining the nation’s sovereignty and independence. Throughout his struggle, Sukarno continuously fostered fraternity amongst the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America to build a new world order by liberating themselves from all forms of imperialism and colonialism.
This struggle was pursued through the 1955 Asian-African Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961, the 1965 Conference Against Foreign Military Bases, and the Conference of the New Emerging Forces (Conefo) in 1965. “In my view, all of Sukarno’s geopolitical thinking represents a genuine effort to realise equality, justice, and a powerful vision for world peace,” she stated.
Megawati assessed that, given the various challenges faced by Iran’s people and nation today, Iran’s long historical record of civilisation has shaped remarkable character and fighting spirit. Even amid prolonged pressure and economic sanctions, Iran has emerged as a nation sovereign in politics, self-sufficient in economics, and distinctive in culture—what is known as Sukarno’s Trisakti (Three Pillars).
“With these considerations, I am confident that the trust placed in Your Excellency can continue the legacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s previous revolutionary leaders, who held views aligned with Sukarno’s thinking, particularly in the struggle to uphold global justice, reject subservience to neo-imperialist forces, and uphold national dignity and sovereignty,” she explained.
As a nation, she believes that the world should truly be built on principles of peaceful coexistence, justice, fairness, and humanity without borders. These principles reflect Indonesia’s national philosophy and ideology, Pancasila, and are enshrined in the constitution.
“Our nation has always believed that independence is the right of all nations, and therefore colonialism across the world must be eliminated as it is contrary to humanity and justice. These values have shaped our stance to not remain silent against various forms of oppression and new imperialism,” she said.
She recalled that Sukarno, in his 1960 address to the United Nations titled “To Build the World Anew,” once warned the world that imperialism had not died. Rather, it would always reappear in different forms and manifestations. Sukarno also stressed the importance of revitalising the United Nations so it could serve as an authoritative global institution, capable of upholding justice, and serve as an equitable forum for nations worldwide.
“Therefore, with this spirit, I hope that today’s United Nations can truly play an active role in upholding human dignity by halting all forms of unilateral invasion, respecting the sovereignty of independent nations, and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue mechanisms,” she expressed.
It is time, she said, for the United Nations to play a central role through the support of Asian, African, and Latin American nations that have long yearned for a peaceful world free from all forms of exploitation. “For we are all one humanity, inhabiting the same planet Earth, and created by Almighty God. A just world like that is what I believe can unite our shared vision,” Megawati stated.
At the end of her letter, Megawati prayed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, would continually gain strength, wisdom, and divine guidance in leading Iran out of crisis and bringing the Iranian nation towards progress that is just and dignified. Mojtaba Khamenei himself was appointed Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 ulama.