Leading RI's 81st Anniversary Ceremony at PDIP, Megawati Remembers Bung Karno's Struggle

PDIP Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri remembered the struggle of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, or Bung Karno, who endured imprisonment and exile during the struggle for independence. Megawati stated that a total of 18 years of Bung Karno’s life were marked by detention and exile.

“Indonesia has a proclaimer, a father of the nation, a thinker, and a fighter whose entire life was devoted to the independence and future of Indonesia. Bung Karno never hesitated, Bung Karno always believed that one day we would have that independence,” Megawati said while leading the 81st anniversary ceremony of the Republic of Indonesia at the PDIP Party School in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, on Monday (17/8/2026).

Megawati said the periods of detention and exile were part of Bung Karno’s sacrifice in fighting for Indonesia’s independence. “Throughout his political life, Bung Karno spent 12 years in prison and in exile during the Dutch colonial period, 2 years in exile during the physical revolution, and 4 years under house arrest without trial during the New Order era,” Megawati explained.

Megawati also touched on the New Order era under the leadership of Indonesia’s second president, Soeharto. At that time, Bung Karno was detained without trial. “Just imagine, Bung Karno was the proclaimer, then suddenly during the New Order era, when it was Mr Harto’s time, because Mr Harto wanted to become president, Bung Karno was subjected to a detention. I do not even know what it was called. He was initially placed at Bogor Palace, then at Batu Tulis, then at Wisma Yaso. Without any judicial process,” she said.

Megawati said those 18 years represented Bung Karno’s sacrifice for the country. She therefore urged the younger generation to have the same steadfastness as Bung Karno. “The figure of 18 years is not merely a measure of time; within it lies the suffering of a fighter. But Bung Karno asserted that it was not suffering, but rather a sacrifice for our ideals, namely a sovereign and independent Indonesia,” Megawati said.

“Therefore, young people, hey young people, listen to this history! Because you should have the thinking, the steadfastness, and the conviction of Bung Karno. Do not be like the present,” she continued.

She also raised the issue of historical justice regarding Bung Karno. Megawati said the revocation of MPRS Decree Number 33 of 1967 concerning the revocation of governmental authority from President Sukarno was not the end of the historical issue. “Although MPRS Decree Number 33 of 1967 concerning the revocation of governmental authority from President Sukarno has been revoked, for me the historical issue does not stop at the revocation of a decree. What is more important is the conscience of history,” she said.

On the occasion, Megawati also issued a warning to PDIP cadres who do not follow party directives. She even threatened to dismiss cadres who are afraid to speak the name of Bung Karno. “Therefore, if you are from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and you do not follow what I ask, what I require and so forth, it is better to leave this party,” Megawati asserted.

“If you are afraid to say the name of Bung Karno, I will dismiss you! Remember, because he is the father of the nation,” she added.

Megawati assessed that no historical process of the independence struggle and consolidation of the state was separate from Bung Karno’s role. However, she said the history of Bung Karno’s role had been repeatedly distorted. “It has been turned around, repeatedly trying to erase Bung Karno’s role,” she added.

Even so, Megawati believes that historical truth will eventually find its way. “Truth may be delayed, but, but, but, truth will never lose its way, and truth will surely, surely, surely prevail,” Megawati concluded.