PDIP Opens Bung Karno Month, Discussing Colonialism and Democracy

The event, themed ‘Bung Karno Belongs to Us All!’, commenced at 09:00 WIB on Tuesday (2/6/2026). Hasto Yugianto was accompanied by PDIP Central Executive Board Chair Ribka Tjiptaning and Head of the PDIP Historical Agency Bonnie Triyana. PDIP Banten officials, including chair and secretary Ade Sumardi and Wanto Sugito, were also in attendance.

During the event, Hasto explained that Sukarno’s speech on 1 June 1945 served as a challenge against the imperialism and colonialism that had operated in Indonesia for hundreds of years. Hasto also highlighted the legacy of Multatuli, whose writings in ‘Max Havelaar’ (186 and 60) were able to shake the Netherlands and lead to the implementation of the Ethical Policy.

“Pancasila is not just the national ideology; Pancasila must also build a new world order,” Hasto asserted. He also addressed the current state of democracy, reminding attendees of the importance of safeguarding freedom and democratic space to ensure they remain aligned with the interests of the people. “Whenever any party attempts to destroy our freedom to defend the people’s interests, it is a sign of the presence of new colonialism within our socio-political system,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Regent of Lebak, Amir Hamzah, remarked that he was standing in the very building where Multatuli once wrote to resist the oppression of the people of Lebak. He linked Multatuli, Bung Karno, and the Baduy people as three legacies of Lebak. “Multatuli through his pen, Bung Karno through his speeches—their goal was the same: to uphold justice. I say firmly: both were defenders of the weak,” he said.

He further added that the third legacy, the Baduy people, represents honesty. According to him, in the hearts of the Baduy community, Pancasila is a living teaching. “It is not written on paper, but practiced in daily conduct. Honest to nature, honest to promises, honest to one another. That is the essence of honesty. Baduy is living Pancasila,” said Amir Hamzah.

The opening of Bung Karno Month 2026 featured an exhibition of photographs, letters, and comics of Bung Karno at the Multatuli Museum area. The opening ceremonies concluded with a traditional ‘tumpeng’ rice cutting ceremony and a group photograph.