Megawati's Nationhood Message on the World Stage Becomes Important Point
A Nuzulul Quran commemoration held by the central board of Baitul Muslimin Indonesia (Bamusi) was marked by strong religious and nationalistic overtones. During the event, numerous figures highlighted the statesmanlike conduct of Indonesia’s fifth president Megawati Soekarnoputri, particularly regarding her international travels and the nationhood message she has conveyed during recent overseas visits.
Ahmad Basarah, Chairman of Bamusi’s Advisory Board and head of the PDI Perjuangan faction in the People’s Consultative Assembly, emphasised that Megawati’s love for Indonesia is reflected in various spiritual and international diplomatic moments. According to Basarah, after receiving an honorary doctorate from Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, Megawati chose to express her gratitude by visiting the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad in Medina and performing umrah in Mecca.
“Before the Ka’bah, Ibu Mega prayed that the Indonesian nation remain united, peaceful, and prosperous,” said Basarah, representing Megawati’s family at the event.
Basarah also expressed appreciation for Bamusi’s initiative in combining the Nuzulul Quran commemoration with thanksgiving for the honorary doctorate award to Megawati and the performance of umrah pilgrimage alongside her two children, Puan Maharani and Prananda Prabowo. He noted that the award represents part of international recognition of Megawati’s role as a world figure.
Prior to her visit to Saudi Arabia, Megawati also attended the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 ceremony in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where she delivered a speech on Pancasila, Trisakti, and the role of women’s leadership in global peace efforts. During the same visit, Megawati met with Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace. The meeting discussed follow-up cooperation between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the UAE, particularly in developing water desalination technology in response to the climate crisis.
Nasyirul Falah Amru, Vice-Chairman of Bamusi for the 2020–2025 period, stated that Bamusi has closely followed Megawati’s international activities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. “The moral and statesmanlike messages conveyed by Ibu Megawati from abroad have been well received by all Bamusi leadership, both at the central and regional levels. Her prayers during tawaf that Indonesia remain united, harmonious, and prosperous, we affirm together,” said the House of Representatives member.
The Nuzulul Quran commemoration also featured a sermon by Habib Ali Hasan Bahar, who explained that the Quran is called Al-Qur’an al-Karim because of its characteristics that provide broad benefit to humanity. “The word karim means generous. This means the Quran provides understanding to anyone who reads it, whether they understand Arabic or not. Of course, it is Allah SWT who provides the understanding, while the Quran serves as the medium,” he said.