Indonesiantalk.com — Fadli Zon: Uzbekistan Never Forgets Bung Karno’s Legacy
Indonesia and Uzbekistan celebrated their deep historical and spiritual ties through a vibrant cross-cultural event at the Jakarta Arts Building on Tuesday evening.
The performance, a musical theater collaboration titled “Imam Al-Bukhari and Sukarno”, was attended by former Indonesian President and Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Earlier that day, a business forum was held at the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, attended by East Java Vice Governor Emil Dardak, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov, and Indonesian Ambassador Prof. Siti Ruhaini.
By evening, the cultural showcase drew a number of prominent national figures from politics, diplomacy, and the arts. Among those present were Minister of Culture Dr. Fadli Zon, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, Vice Governor Rano Karno, and Ambassador Eshonov.
Also in attendance was Megawati’s family, including her son M. Prananda Prabowo (Head of PDIP Central Executive Board), Speaker of the House Puan Maharani, and her siblings Sukmawati Soekarnoputri and Guruh Soekarnoputra.
Notable PDIP elites such as Ganjar Pranowo, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, Bintang Puspayoga, and Ronny Talapessy were present, alongside cultural icon Butet Kartaredjasa and BPIP Chairman Yudian Wahyudi. International affairs observer and grandson of national hero Ir. Djuanda, Ismeth Wibowo, also attended the event—marking the shared creative spirit between Indonesian and Uzbek artists.
Theater as a Cultural Bridge
The theater performance, co-directed by Indonesia’s Ahmad Fauzi and Uzbekistan’s Valikhon Umarov, stood as a living testament to the enduring bond between the two nations—one forged through history, culture, and spiritual solidarity.
In her remarks, Megawati highlighted the importance of Uzbekistan in the spiritual journey of Indonesia, particularly in relation to her father, the late President Sukarno. She emphasized the role of history as the foundation of civilization, invoking her father’s well-known principle, JASMERAH—“Never Forget History.”
“If a nation forgets its past, it will eventually stumble and fall,” she stated firmly to the audience.
Bung Karno’s Diplomatic Legacy: A Pilgrimage to Imam Al-Bukhari’s Tomb
Megawati recounted a pivotal moment in 1956, during Sukarno’s state visit to the Soviet Union. One of his personal requests to then Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev was to help locate the long-lost tomb of Imam Al-Bukhari, the renowned Islamic scholar and hadith compiler.
“Even if I have to take the train myself, I will go,” Megawati quoted her father’s unwavering resolve.
Initially met with skepticism due to the obscurity of the tomb’s location, Sukarno’s determination bore fruit. The Soviet authorities successfully identified the site in Hartang village, near Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and began its restoration.
Today, Imam Al-Bukhari’s mausoleum stands as a revered destination for Muslims worldwide—a symbol of enduring faith and knowledge.
“It was a small step, but it sparked a profound awakening. Imam Al-Bukhari was brought back into the consciousness of the people—not just as a religious figure, but as a beacon of morality, knowledge, and the greatness of Islamic civilization,” said Megawati.
She closed her speech with a Central Asian proverb: “If our hearts are close, distance is never a barrier.”
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
Culture Minister Dr. Fadli Zon revealed that he and Megawati had a deep discussion about the historical significance of the event. He confirmed that Megawati recently visited Imam Al-Bukhari’s tomb, which is currently undergoing further restoration.
“A memorabilia corner dedicated to Bung Karno will be established at the tomb site. This is Uzbekistan’s way of honoring his contribution to preserving Islamic heritage in Central Asia,” Fadli noted.
He stressed that this gesture is a significant step in strengthening cultural and historical diplomacy between the two countries.
“Uzbekistan has never forgotten Bung Karno’s contribution. This is a remarkable example of cultural diplomacy that we must continue to cherish,” he concluded.
