During Indonesia’s history, there have been brave knights who have shown courage and resilience in the face of foreign invaders. One of these knights who has inspired me is the first President of Indonesia, Bung Karno. He was not only a great intellectual, orator, and organizer, but he was also a key figure in Indonesia’s fight for independence.
Born in Surabaya in 1901, Bung Karno founded the Indonesian National Party (PNI) at the young age of 26. His writings were instrumental in stirring the spirit of nationalism among the Indonesian people. However, his activism led to his arrest by the Dutch in 1929, and he was imprisoned in Banceuy and later Sukamiskin prison.
Despite being imprisoned, Bung Karno crafted his iconic speech, Indonesia Menggugat (Indonesia Rebukes). This speech, made in 1930, is still relevant today and showcases his unwavering dedication to Indonesia’s independence. Throughout his exile in Ende from 1938 to 1942, Bung Karno continued to work towards Indonesia’s independence and played a key role in formulating Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
One of the most significant events in Indonesia’s history was President Sukarno’s declaration of independence on August 17, 1945. With little resources and support, Bung Karno courageously proclaimed Indonesia’s independence, sparking an uprising against Allied Forces who were the victors of World War II. It was a pivotal moment that set the course for Indonesia’s future.
Another critical event was Bung Karno’s speech at the BPUPKI session on June 1, 1945, where he laid out the ideological foundation for Indonesia based on Pancasila. Despite pressure to adopt a religious or ethnic-based ideology, Bung Karno stood firm in creating a country for everyone, regardless of background.
Even as a political opponent of Bung Karno, Professor Soemitro, my father, recognized his greatness as a leader. Professor Soemitro, who took part in the PRRI/Permesta rebellion against President Sukarno, acknowledged Bung Karno’s unifying power in bringing together diverse groups for the common goal of Indonesian independence.
Reflecting on his interactions with Bung Karno, Professor Soemitro admitted his regret for not standing by Bung Karno and preventing PKI maneuvers. He acknowledged the importance of flexibility and not being too rigid in one’s beliefs, especially when confronted with different contexts and eras.
My personal memory of Bung Karno at Istana Merdeka further solidified his charismatic presence and leadership qualities. His towering figure, deep voice, and warm smile left a lasting impression on me, illustrating the essence of a great leader.
In conclusion, Bung Karno’s legacy as a fearless leader, unifier, and visionary continues to inspire me and many others in Indonesia. His courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the nation serve as a shining example to future generations.