Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, has extended her sincere congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as the Supreme Leader of Iran. The heartfelt message was conveyed through a letter presented to the Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, during his visit to Megawati’s residence last Tuesday.
In her letter, which was received by kumparan on Sunday, Megawati stated, “As the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, on behalf of myself, the extended family of Bung Karno, and the Indonesian nation that upholds inter-nation friendship, I convey my sincere congratulations on the election of His Eminence Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as Rahbar (Supreme Leader) of the Islamic Republic of Iran through the democratic decision of 88 members of the Assembly of Experts.” This powerful declaration underscores the significance of the election and Indonesia’s diplomatic respect.
Megawati acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei’s election took place amid a landscape fraught with challenges, yet he successfully garnered substantial support from the Iranian populace. She lauded this achievement, remarking, “This election occurred amidst various challenges and a situation that was not entirely conducive, yet His Eminence has succeeded in gaining the profound trust of the clerics and the Iranian people. This election stands as a real testament to His Eminence’s leadership, acumen, profound knowledge, and steadfastness, enabling him to transcend differences and unify Iran’s leadership.”
Drawing parallels with historical Indonesian leadership, Megawati also highlighted the geopolitical vision of her late father, Sukarno, Indonesia’s first President and Proclamator, affectionately known as Bung Karno. She emphasized that Bung Karno consistently championed the crucial importance of national unity, the independence of the nation, and unwavering resolve in defending state sovereignty. These enduring principles form the bedrock of Indonesian foreign policy and national identity.
Furthermore, Megawati underscored Bung Karno’s persistent struggle to forge solidarity among the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, aimed at countering imperialism and colonialism in all their forms. This historic endeavor manifested through various international forums, including the pivotal Asia-Africa Conference of 1955 and the Conference of the New Emerging Forces (CONEFO) in 1965, which significantly shaped the global south’s collective voice.
Reflecting on Iran’s trajectory, Megawati posited that the nation’s rich and extensive historical experience has molded a resilient national character, particularly evident in its capacity to withstand external pressures and economic sanctions. “Observing the myriad challenges currently faced by the people and nation of Iran, I believe that the long historical record of Iranian civilization has forged an extraordinary character and fighting spirit,” Megawati asserted. She continued, “Even amid prolonged pressure and economic sanctions, the Iranian nation has managed to stand as a politically sovereign nation, economically self-reliant, and distinct in its culture, echoing Bung Karno’s Trisakti principles.”
Megawati expressed her firm conviction that Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership would build upon the legacy of previous Iranian revolutionary leaders, particularly in advancing the causes of global justice and national sovereignty. She also reiterated Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to fostering a world founded on peace and equality among nations, a vision deeply rooted in the nation’s philosophical foundation, Pancasila. “As a nation, we believe that the world should inherently be built upon the principles of peaceful co-existence, equality, justice, and humanity without barriers. These principles reflect our nation’s philosophy and ideology, Pancasila, and are enshrined in our constitution,” Megawati affirmed, emphasizing Indonesia’s consistent stance on international relations.
Her letter further invoked Bung Karno’s powerful speech at the United Nations (UN) in 1960, titled “To Build the World Anew,” which notably warned against the insidious emergence of imperialism in new guises. In this spirit, Megawati voiced her hope that the UN would assume a more proactive and central role in upholding human dignity, halting unilateral invasions, and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue. “It is time for the UN to take on a more central role, supported by the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America who have long yearned for a peaceful world free from all forms of exploitation,” Megawati declared, underscoring the collective desire for a just international order.
“For we are all one humanity, inhabiting the same planet Earth, and created by the Almighty God. It is such a just world that I believe can unite our shared vision,” she added, emphasizing the universal appeal of these principles. Concluding her letter, Megawati once more conveyed her heartfelt prayers and profound hopes for Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership. “Once again, congratulations on assuming the position of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Trust has been bestowed, and immense challenges await,” Megawati stated, acknowledging the weight of his new responsibilities. She concluded with a sincere prayer: “Furthermore, allow me to convey my sincere prayers that His Eminence may always be granted strength, wisdom, and divine guidance to lead Iran out of crisis, to guide the Iranian nation towards just and dignified progress, and to build a more peaceful and constructive world for all humanity.”
Summary
Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of PDI Perjuangan, Megawati Soekarnoputri, has extended her sincere congratulations to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as the Supreme Leader of Iran. This heartfelt message was conveyed through a letter presented to Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi during his visit to Megawati’s residence. She congratulated him on behalf of herself, the Bung Karno family, and the Indonesian nation, acknowledging his democratic election by the Assembly of Experts.
Megawati noted Khamenei’s successful election despite challenges, showcasing his leadership and the profound trust he gained from the Iranian people. She drew parallels with her father Sukarno’s principles of national unity, sovereignty, and solidarity among developing nations against imperialism. Megawati expressed belief that Iran’s historical experience has fostered a resilient character, enabling it to withstand pressures and sanctions, echoing Sukarno’s Trisakti principles. She concluded with hopes for Khamenei’s leadership to advance global justice and sovereignty, aligning with Indonesia’s commitment to peace and equality based on Pancasila.