Jakarta. Guntur Soekarnoputra, the eldest son of Indonesia’s founding father Soekarno, has called on the government to restore his father’s reputation, which was tarnished by accusations of supporting the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and betraying the nation. Guntur emphasized that these claims were unfounded and never proven.

Speaking at the formal ceremony to repeal the 1967 People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) decree that removed Soekarno from the presidency, Guntur stated, "We, the family, along with patriotic and nationalist Indonesians who love Bung Karno, seek the rehabilitation of his name, which was unjustly marred by treason accusations."

He clarified that the family is not seeking legal action or compensation for the injustices Soekarno endured. Instead, Guntur explained that the repeal of MPRS Decree No. XXXIII/MPRS/1967, which ousted Soekarno for allegedly failing to fulfill his constitutional duties following the PKI rebellion of Sept. 30, 1965, affirms his innocence.

“We have waited over 57 years and six months for a just and humane response from the MPR," Guntur said.

He acknowledged that Soekarno’s removal after the MPR declared him president for life, was not the main issue for the family. "For us, the family of Soekarno, and for Indonesians who love him, the fact that he had to step down as president is understandable. Presidential power must have its limits, no matter who holds office," he added.

However, Guntur took issue with the reasons behind Soekarno’s dismissal. "What we cannot accept is the claim that he betrayed the nation by supporting the PKI uprising in 1965," he emphasized.

He questioned how future generations could respect their country’s heroes if they were taught that the nation’s proclaimer of independence was a traitor. "It simply defies logic," he remarked.

Guntur noted that the Soekarno family has chosen to forgive past grievances, stressing that this is essential for national unity and the future of Indonesia's youth, who will eventually take on leadership roles.

"We, as a family, have agreed to forgive everything that happened to Bung Karno and his family. However, we want to ensure that no citizen, including national leaders, should ever face such treatment again. Everyone must be treated equally before the law," he concluded.

The official repeal of MPRS Decree No. XXXIII/MPRS/1967 was handed over by MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo to the Soekarno family, represented by Guntur, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, and Guruh Soekarnoputra.

The event was also attended by Law and Human Rights Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, former Chief Security Affairs Mahfud MD, and members of the PDI-P faction.

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