Sukarno's teaching

Sukarno's teaching still relevant

From Rakyat Merdeka

I respond to the polemic as to whether or not Marhaenism -- the Indonesian National Party (PNI) ideology to eliminate poverty developed and adopted by the late first president Bung Karno -- is still relevant in solving Indonesia's current problems.

The chief of the Regional Representatives Council of the PNI Front for Marhaenist Reform, Harsono, and secretary-general Siti Khadijah felt it necessary to let the public know about a resolution incorporated in the decree No 06/SK/DPP/PNI- FM/R/VII/2001 which states:

1. To revoke all resolutions reached in the 11th and 12th PNI congresses held in 1966 and 1970 in Semarang with regard to the annulment of Bung Karno as the Father of Marhaenism.

2. Decides to reinstate Bung Karno as the Father of Marhaenism which will be made lawful in the coming congress. This decision has been made as Marhaenism is deemed suitable and relevant to overcome the multidimensional crises currently faced by Indonesia, making its adoption as a way of life obligatory.

The establishment of various social institutions and foundations such as a social security net, the National Movement of Foster Parents and others to help the poor is part of the teaching enhanced by Bung Karno. Therefore, like the 1945 Constitution, his teaching of Marhaenism is still relevant.

ABDURAHMAN

Palembang, South Sumatra