Hasto Says 'Bung Karno, Father of Marhaenism' March Aims to Correct History
PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto explained the philosophy behind the ‘Bung Karno, Father of Marhaenism’ March, which is frequently played during internal party events. He stated that the March is part of an effort to correct historical inaccuracies and strengthen the party’s ideology, reintroducing it to PDIP cadres to revive understanding of Marhaenism, often misinterpreted.
‘Therefore, the ’Bung Karno, Father of Marhaenism’ March is crucial and has been reintroduced by Brother Prananda Prabowo with a new arrangement,’ Hasto said after leading the Pancasila Birth Day ceremony at At-Taufiq Mosque courtyard in South Jakarta on Monday (1/6).
According to Hasto, Muhammad Prananda Prabowo played a role in reviving the March with a new arrangement. This followed PDIP’s historical disconnect during the New Order era, which affected understanding of Bung Karno’s teachings.
He explained that the March is not merely a political symbol but a means to revive awareness of Pancasila’s core values that support the common people.
‘It awakens our understanding of Pancasila’s true nature to transform oppressive structures based on divine, humanitarian, just, national, and people-centric values,’ he said.
Hasto stressed that Marhaenism, as inherited from Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, differs from the stigma attached by some groups. He said Marhaenism emerged from the social reality of small-scale people who live independently yet are often marginalised in development processes.
Therefore, he said, Marhaenism positions the common people as the primary subjects of the nation’s political and economic struggle.
‘Regarding the importance of the ’Bung Karno, Father of Marhaenism’ March, since Marhaen has often been labelled communist and so on, but it is a social reality that formed the historical backdrop for Bung Karno to liberate Indonesia’s marginalised people. They were independent but needed awareness-raising, hence the March is vital,’ he stressed.
When asked about the possibility of the March being played at state events, Hasto said the key is not the March’s playback but implementing its values in national policies.
‘For PDIP, the important aspect of the ’Bung Karno, Father of Marhaenism’ March is its spirit – the spirit of our independence and politics for the Marhaen people. It involves tangible efforts to ensure ideological and technocratic policies benefit the people,’ he added.
Hasto also highlighted challenges facing Indonesia, from education quality to national competitiveness compared to neighbouring countries. He said the founding fathers’ ideas remain relevant to address these issues.
‘We have fallen behind Singapore and even Malaysia, with declining education quality. With the spirit of the Bung Karno Marhaenism March, we strengthen the true nature of politics that liberates from poverty, ignorance, and injustice,’ he concluded.