Basarah stated that the values of the Bandung Conference must be revived amid global challenges, such as economic inequality and the current climate crisis, to create a fairer and more dignified world order.
"The Asian-African Conference held on April 18-24, 1955, in Bandung was one of the most glorious events led by Indonesia's first president, Soekarno," Basarah remarked while delivering a speech at a discussion titled "Soekarno's Legacy for Asia-Africa and Global Social Justice" here on Saturday.
At the Bandung Conference, Soekarno demonstrated that newly independent countries possess the right to determine their own futures without colonial intervention, he noted.
Quoting Sukarno's speech, Basarah called for the emergence of a new Asia and Africa, stressing that independence and peace are two inseparable elements.
Basarah affirmed that peace is a crucial prerequisite for independence, as without it, independence loses its meaning and value.
Basarah contended that colonialism has now evolved into neocolonialism through economic, cultural, and informational dominance.
"Soekarno reminded us that colonialism is not dead, but it has simply transformed into neocolonialism," he stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted the impact of the Bandung Conference, which sparked a wave of decolonization. Within a decade after the Bandung Conference, 41 countries proclaimed their independence.
For this reason, he affirmed that the PDI-P, inheriting Soekarno's principles, is committed to perpetuating the Bandung Conference's spirit.
"The spirit to uphold national sovereignty, advocate for world peace, and build true global solidarity," he stated.
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Translator: Agatha, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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