Gibran Praises Gus Dur and Megawati on Chinese New Year Celebrations

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has spoken about the legacy of Indonesia’s fourth President, Abdurrahman Wahid, known as Gus Dur. In a video monologue uploaded to his YouTube channel, Gibran praised Gus Dur’s courage in protecting and advancing the rights of minority groups.

Gibran initially discussed the warm and inclusive atmosphere of Chinese New Year (Imlek) celebrations in Indonesia today, which enliven public spaces. He attributed this positive environment to the steadfastness and courage of previous leaders in nurturing Indonesia’s diversity.

“It all began with a major decision by the fourth President, Bapak Abdurrahman Wahid, through Presidential Decree Number 6 of 2000. Gus Dur made a policy that was not merely administrative, but served as a historic milestone that taught the meaning of tolerance and brotherhood,” Gibran stated on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

According to Gibran, Gus Dur’s policy was subsequently continued under the leadership of Megawati Soekarnoputri. In 2002, Sukarno’s daughter designated Imlek as a national public holiday.

“This is a tangible expression of full recognition that every group has equal rights to express its cultural identity,” said the eldest son of former President Joko Widodo.

Gibran argued that Gus Dur’s courage in defending minority rights demonstrated that democracy should not be solely about majority rule. “Rather, it is about commitment to justice, where the state must be present for all without exception,” Gibran stated.

Gibran further noted that Gus Dur, founder of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), taught the importance of national brotherhood. Gus Dur, he said, placed this spirit of brotherhood above all differences.

“Where tolerance is not merely permitting, but truly respecting. Not simply accepting existence, but actively protecting and nurturing diversity,” Gibran said.

Gibran called upon young Indonesians and future leaders to preserve the spirit and intellectual legacy of the nation’s leaders. This includes ensuring that public spaces remain welcoming and inclusive, with no one feeling like a stranger in their own homeland. “Because there would be no Indonesia without diversity,” Gibran concluded.