Megawati: Khamenei's Death a Great Loss for the World

Indonesia’s fifth President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, has expressed deep condolences over the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Megawati asserted that his departure is a great loss, not only for the people of Iran but also for the global community that upholds the values of justice, sovereignty, and humanity. “Today, with a heart full of deep sorrow and respect, I, Megawati Soekarnoputri, the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairperson of PDI Perjuangan, as well as the daughter of Bung Karno, convey this message as a friend to the people of Iran,” Megawati stated in a written statement received by Media Indonesia on Wednesday (8/7). For Megawati, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was not merely a political leader or religious figure. She viewed him as a true patriot who consistently fought for his nation’s sovereignty without ever giving up. Megawati even saw a shared vision between Khamenei and her father, the Proclamator of Indonesian Independence, Bung Karno. “In him, I see the echo of the struggle that my father, Bung Karno, once pioneered,” she said. She added that from a young age, Khamenei had known and admired Bung Karno’s thoughts, which were later reflected in his efforts to build Iran as an independent state that integrates religious values, nationalism, and social justice. Megawati recalled her meeting with Khamenei during a state visit to Tehran in 2004. At that time, she felt a strong charisma and a sense of calm from the Iranian leader. “He was a gentle yet principled cleric, as well as a statesman sensitive to the suffering of his people,” Megawati remembered. Furthermore, Megawati revealed that Khamenei paid great attention to Pancasila and the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung. These were used as important references in formulating Iran’s dignified vision. “For me, this is not diplomatic flattery. It is an acknowledgment that there is a deep spiritual bridge between the two nations,” she said. Megawati assessed that Indonesia and Iran share a strong historical bond as nations that have both faced colonialism and foreign intervention. Therefore, she feels the loss of a figure who has been considered a guardian of the fighting spirit of third-world countries. In closing her statement, Megawati stressed the importance of resolving global conflicts through peaceful means and fair dialogue, in accordance with the principles of international law and humanity, rather than through violence or armed aggression. “Farewell, Your Excellency Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. We bid you farewell with prayers, respect, and a brotherhood that will not fade with time,” Megawati concluded, while praying that the people of Iran be given strength during this period of mourning.