She delivered these remarks during a scientific oration titled "Cultural Road and Civilization Meeting Points" in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Saturday.
During this occasion, she received the title of honorary professor of tourism and cultural heritage from the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (IUTCH).
"With this attitude, politics is responsible for the future of humanity worldwide," Megawati observed in a statement.
She noted that she learned this perspective on human civilization from her father, the first Indonesian President, Soekarno.
"For me, Soekarno is both a father figure and a teacher," she said. "He taught me that politics is life."
She stated that Soekarno taught her that people are the source of culture, which has a very broad meaning.
As social beings, humans unite in communities and build a shared culture, from which nations are formed, she explained.
She explained that within a nation, there exists a common will, a shared commitment, and a collective morality, which underpin the nation's life, system, and laws.
According to her, culture is the pathway to human civilization. When people are the source of culture, a leader's power is derived from the collective will.
"No matter how strong a leader's power may be, it cannot be separated from the collective will of the people who have established it," Megawati said.
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Translator: Narda S, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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