Megawati Recalls Soekarno's Grand Vision During KAA Commemoration
PDI Perjuangan chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri stated the importance of the Asia-Africa Conference (KAA) spirit in addressing current global geopolitical dynamics. Every KAA commemoration, she said, always reminds of Soekarno or Bung Karno’s grand vision in fighting for the liberation of nations from colonialism.
“The spirit of liberation is rooted in humanitarian values and internationalism as enshrined in Pancasila,” said Megawati during the 71st KAA commemoration held in Jakarta on 18 April 2026. According to her, these values provide a strong foundation for building brotherhood among nations while combating colonialism and imperialism.
Megawati recounted that the KAA is a significant milestone in world history, involving 29 countries that at the time represented more than half of the global population. The forum, she said, marked the beginning of the decolonisation movement and strengthened the position of developing countries on the international stage. Indonesia’s independence also served as an inspiration for the struggles of nations in Asia and Africa.
She also highlighted Indonesia’s active role after the KAA in building global solidarity, from conferences of students, women, to Asian-African intellectuals. One of the other important milestones is the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which she described as a continuation of the KAA spirit in facing the tug-of-war between the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War era. “The NAM is not merely cooperation among developing countries, but an effort to build a new world order free from colonialism,” said Megawati.
In the current context, Megawati assessed that the world is facing various geopolitical conflicts that show the fragility of the international system. She thus emphasised the importance of Bung Karno’s ideas in his speech at the United Nations titled “To Build The World A New” in 1960, which called for global system reform to make it more just and equal.
According to Megawati, principles such as inter-nation equality, rejection of foreign intervention, and respect for state sovereignty are increasingly relevant amid rising international tensions.
She also revived Bung Karno’s concept of dividing the world between The New Emerging Forces and The Old Forces. Although differing in levels of advancement, Megawati stressed that both groups must unite in fighting for humanity, justice, and world peace.
Megawati assessed that neo-colonial practices continue to this day, albeit in different forms and approaches. Therefore, she encouraged renewed strengthening of global solidarity through forums like the second volume of KAA.
She then stated that Pancasila has proven capable of serving as a foundation in building a peaceful and just world order. Indonesia’s role is important in global affairs, prioritising national interests while contributing to world peace.
Megawati said that the 71st KAA commemoration is a momentum to revive the spirit of international solidarity and strengthen Indonesia’s position as a pioneer of world peace. Indonesia was born with the spirit of building a new world order. Pancasila can work within the international system and offer a more peaceful, equal, sovereign world order, free from the tug-of-war of great power interests.