PDIP: Bung Karno's Teachings Take Root Down to Village Level in Bali

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has asserted that the teachings of Proclamator and first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno or Bung Karno, can be tangibly implemented down to the village level through the Bung Karno Month 2026 celebrations held in Bali. Chair of PDIP Bali, Wayan Koster, stated that 625 out of a total of 636 villages in Bali simultaneously organised Bung Karno Month by utilising the Village Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBDes) and community self-help funds. “In Bali, there are 636 villages, and 625 villages held the Bung Karno Month celebrations using APBDes funds and community self-help. The total funds collected and used across all these villages reached Rp10.5 billion. This proves that Bung Karno’s teachings have taken root down to the village level,” Koster said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Sunday. The report was delivered by Koster before the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and PDIP Chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri, at the Closing of Bung Karno Month 2026 in Sanur, Bali, on Sunday. Koster said this figure shows that Bung Karno’s teachings do not stop as ideas but have been realised through activities involving the community down to the village level. Koster added that this year’s Bung Karno Month theme, “Be Faithful to Your Source,” carries the message that the party’s strength comes from the people’s trust, not from power or position. “This theme confirms that the source of the party’s strength is not power or position, but the people’s trust. The party will only survive if it remains united with the pulse of the people’s lives, listens to the people’s voice, fights for the people’s interests, and keeps the flame of the people’s spirit burning,” he said. Following the report speech, the main stage transformed into an archipelago cultural showcase featuring the best works from a total of 14,569 young people who have been involved since last March. These included a Matembang Sastra Bali performance as a form of local language resilience, and a Balinese Arak Juggling Attraction demonstrating how a traditional local product has been successfully elevated to a high-value global commodity. Also staged were the Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali Gymnastics and the majesty of classical art through Bapang Barong & Mekendang Tunggal. The peak of creativity was also showcased through a Fashion Show featuring authentic Endek Balinese woven fabric by local artisans in collaboration with the magical flute melodies of world ethnic musician, Gus Teja. The splendour of the event was further coloured by a colossal theatrical performance of the Mahasatya Dance from Sanggar Capala, laden with national patriotism values. Throughout the performance, Megawati Soekarnoputri along with top officials of the PDI Perjuangan Central Executive Board appeared to thoroughly enjoy the event, mingling with the thousands of cadres in attendance.