Anies Baswedan and ‘Indonesia Menggugat’s Challenges in Uncovering the Spirit of Young Sukarno
ANIES Baswedan was barred from attending a discussion at the Indonesia MengSuga Building, last Sunday 8 October 2023.
The event organized by Change Indonesia and spearheaded by Maman Imanul Haq and Andreas Marbun, had its permission revoked just a night before it was scheduled to take place.
This interference follows a similar incident on October 1, 2023, when a group claiming to represent students demanded the cancellation of Anies’ event, “Ngariung 1000 Alumni ITB,” at the BMC building, and a leisurely walk with Anies at the Jalak Harupat Soreang stadium, both of which were contested as properties of the West Java provincial government.
The stark contrast lies in the fact that government facilities and venues in West Java are freely used by figures like Kaesang, the son of President Jokowi, for political gatherings at Stadion Arcamanik and other activities in support of the government. This glaring disparity amounts to clear discrimination.
The reasons given by the acting governor of West Java are far from convincing. Claiming that government facilities cannot be used for political activities is inherently biased. Especially when considering President Jokowi’s consistent use of the presidential palace and state facilities for all his political maneuvers leading up to the 2024 elections.
Furthermore, if, in the coming days, Gibran is appointed as Prabowo’s vice-presidential candidate, it is estimated that they will utilize the facilities of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Indonesia to alter the age limit for vice-presidential candidates. In light of this, why invoke public space to prohibit political candidates who oppose the government?
Change Indonesia, a group of pro-democracy activists from the 1990s and 2000s, is an integral part of Indonesia’s history in upholding democracy and social justice.
The choice of the Indonesia Menggugat Building as a venue for discussion is crucial, whether it involves Anies or not. What matters is that people come to reflect rather than merely revel, unlike the previous use of the state-owned palace for various political activities.
Reflecting on Sukarno and Indonesia Menggugat can provide insights that address Rahmawati Soekarnoputri’s thoughts in her book, “Using Soekarno to Kill Soekarnoisme.”
When Sukarno stood trial at Lanraad (now GIM) in 1930, he was only 29 years old. His defense plea in “Indonesia Menggugat,” which I analyzed in my book, “Menggugat Indonesia Menggugat” (2022), written during my time in prison, contains numerous ideas from Bung Karno that need to be unearthed and revitalized for Indonesia’s future vision.
From the 70 thinkers and fighters referenced by Bung Karno in his plea, he believed that socialism could be a liberating doctrine for Indonesia.
Regarding Islamism, Sukarno believed that Islam could be a unifying force in building a nation. His plea cites that PNI (Partai Nasional Indonesia) was against usury (riba), a fundamental Islamic teaching.
Additionally, Sukarno always praised the Syarikat Islam organization, founded by his father-in-law HOS Tjokroaminoto, as a revolutionary organization worthy of emulation.
The teachings of Bung Karno, especially Young Bung Karno, offer invaluable lessons for the youth of this nation. Anies Baswedan’s decision to attend the Indonesia Menggugat Building on October 8, 2023, instead of joining hundreds of thousands of people in Malang for a leisurely walk, highlights his intention to engage in discussions with activists at GIM, seeking reflection and the spirit of national struggle.
Unfortunately, the government obstructed Anies and Change Indonesia’s efforts, citing unreasonable grounds related to the use of public space.
This is in stark contrast to Kaesang’s use of the Arcamanik Sports Complex, a government-owned facility, during the same period.
Furthermore, considering President Jokowi’s use of the presidential palace and state facilities for political campaigning for the 2024 elections, the people have seen Anies as a leader genuinely concerned with our nation’s history. He aims to unearth the spirit of Young Sukarno. Let the people judge who truly represents their interests and who deceives them.
* Dr. Syahganda Nainggolan, Sabang Merauke Circle
Artikel Anies Baswedan and ‘Indonesia Menggugat’s Challenges in Uncovering the Spirit of Young Sukarno pertama kali tampil pada KBA NEWS.
English Edition, Anies Baswedan, Dutch government, Indonesia Menggugat, Indonesia Menggugat Building, Spirit of Young Sukarno
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