PDI-P's Kenneth: Bung Karno's Spirit Still Relevant for Facing Global Challenges

Amid rapid technological development and global challenges, the spirit of Bung Karno serves as a reminder that a nation’s progress cannot rely solely on digital intelligence. The younger generation must also possess national character, a spirit of mutual cooperation, and the courage to dream big, as exemplified by Bung Karno. PDI Perjuangan faction member in the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives, Hardiyanto Kenneth, has urged the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, to understand Bung Karno’s thoughts and grand ideals, not just recognise him through quotes circulating on social media. He stated that Bung Karno taught that independence is not a gift, but the result of sacrifice, courage, and the unity of all the nation’s children, values that must be preserved and passed on. According to Kenneth, Gen Z has great potential as a creative generation, adaptive to technological developments, and capable of innovation amid global competition. However, technological progress must be balanced with strong national character so as not to lose the Indonesian identity. The member of Commission C of the Jakarta DPRD stressed that the spirit of Bung Karno’s struggle in the current era is no longer manifested through physical battle, but through achievement, education, innovation, entrepreneurship, social awareness, maintaining unity, and providing solutions to the nation’s problems. Furthermore, the younger generation is encouraged to understand Bung Karno’s ideas regarding Indonesia’s political sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and cultural identity, which remain relevant in facing increasingly complex global challenges. He invited all Gen Z not to be afraid to dream big, just as Bung Karno once dreamed of an independent Indonesia when many considered it impossible. As a PDI Perjuangan cadre, he stated there is a moral responsibility to ensure the flame of Bung Karno’s struggle continues to burn, with the greatest legacy being the spirit to build a just, prosperous, and dignified Indonesia. He expressed hope that the commemoration of Bung Karno Month would become a momentum for the younger generation to strengthen nationalism, improve their quality, master science and technology, and continue to create for the nation. The future of Indonesia, he concluded, is in the hands of the younger generation, who must be not only digitally intelligent but also possess character, integrity, a spirit of mutual cooperation, and love for the homeland, inheriting Bung Karno’s fighting spirit and filling independence with work, achievement, innovation, and dedication.