Jakarta, 9th March,
2026
To:
His Eminence Ayatollah
Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei
The Supreme Leader of
the Islamic Republic of Iran
Re: Congratulations
Respectful greetings
with a warm fraternal regards,
As the 5th President
of the Republic of Indonesia, personally and on behalf of the extended family
of Bung Karno, and the Indonesian people who uphold friendship between nations,
I would like to express my sincere congratulations on the election of His
Excellency Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as Rahbar (Supreme
Leader) of the Islamic Republic of Iran through a democratic decision-making by
88 members of the Assembly of Experts. This election took place amid challenges
and a situation that was not entirely conducive, yet His Excellency was able to
gain the trust of the Iranian clergy and people. This election is a clear
testament to His Excellency's leadership, competence, depth of knowledge, and
determination, which enabled him to overcome differences and unite the Iranian
leadership.
Bung Karno, a
Proclaimer, Father of the Indonesian Nation, First President of the Republic of
Indonesia, who is also my father, always emphasized the importance of national
unity, national independence, and steadfastness in defending the sovereignty
and independence of the nation. Throughout his history of struggle, Bung Karno
continued to unite the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America in order to
build a new world order by freeing themselves from all forms of imperialism and
colonialism. This struggle was built through the 1955 Asian-African Conference,
the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement, the 1965 Anti-Military Bases Conference, and the
1965 Conference of the New Emerging Forces (Conefo).
In my point of view,
all of Bung Karno's geopolitical thought was a concrete effort to achieve
equality and justice, accompanied by a strong vision for world peace.
Looking at the various
problems currently faced by the Iranian people and nation, I believe that the
long historical record of Iranian civilization has shaped their extraordinary
character and fighting spirit. Even amid prolonged economic pressure and
sanctions, the Iranian nation has been able to stand as a politically sovereign
nation, economically independent, and culturally distinctive, or what is known
as Bung Karno's Trisakti.
With these
considerations in mind, I am confident that the trust placed in His Excellency
will continue the legacy of the previous leaders of the Islamic Republic of
Iran, who shared Bung Karno's views, particularly in the struggle to uphold
global justice, resist neo-imperialism, and uphold the dignity and sovereignty
of the nation.
As a nation, we
believe that the world must be built on the principles of peaceful
co-existence, equality, justice, and humanity without barriers. These
principles reflect the philosophy and ideology of our nation, Pancasila, and
are enshrined in our constitution. Our nation has always believed that
independence is the right of all nations and therefore colonialism in the world
must be abolished because it is contrary to humanity and justice. These values
shape our stance of not remaining silent in the face of various forms of
oppression and new imperialism.
In his 1960 speech at
the United Nations (UN) entitled “To Build the World Anew,” Bung Karno warned
the world that imperialism was not yet dead, because it would always be present
in different forms and guises. Bung Karno also emphasized the importance of
revitalizing the UN so that it could become an authoritative global
institution, capable of upholding justice, and serving as an equal forum for
countries around the world. Therefore, in that spirit, I hope that the UN today
can truly play an active role in upholding human dignity by stopping all forms
of unilateral invasion, respecting the sovereignty of independent countries,
and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue mechanisms. It is time
for the UN to take a central role with the support of the countries of Asia,
Africa, and Latin America, which have longed for a peaceful world free from all
forms of exploitation. For we are all one human race, inhabiting the same
planet Earth, and created by one Almighty God. It is my belief that such a just
world can unite our shared vision.
Once again,
congratulations on assuming the position of Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, His Eminence Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Trust has been
placed in you, and great challenges await. Furthermore, allow me to offer my
sincere prayers that His Excellency will always be granted strength, wisdom,
and divine guidance to lead Iran out of crisis, guide the Iranian people toward
progress that is just and dignified, and build a more peaceful and constructive
world for all humanity.
Respecfully yours,
Prof. Dr. (H.C.)
Megawati Soekarnoputri
The 5th President of
the Republic of Indonesia
c.c.: Ambassador of
the Islamic Republic of Iran in Jakarta