Megawati Soekarnoputri Reflects on the Revocation of MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 at PDIP Anniversary
In an emotional speech marking the 52nd anniversary of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP), General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri addressed the long-awaited revocation of MPRS Decree no. 33/1967,which stripped her father,Indonesia’s first President Sukarno,of his state powers. The event,held at the PDIP party School in Lenteng Agung,South Jakarta,on Friday (10/1/2025),was a poignant moment for Megawati adn her supporters.
“The 52nd PDIP anniversary is truly special,” Megawati declared, her voice trembling with emotion.She revealed that the occasion coincided with the formal annulment of the controversial decree, a decision she had waited 57 years to see.
The MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 was issued in the aftermath of the G30S/PKI incident in 1965, a turbulent period in Indonesian history. The decree accused Sukarno of failing to control the political crisis and effectively removed him from power.However, Megawati emphasized that no legal process ever substantiated these allegations.
“The leadership of the MPR RI also emphasized that the accusation that Bung Karno had betrayed him to support the G30SPKI rebellion was not proven and was null and void, because no legal process had ever been carried out to prove this accusation until Bung Karno died on June 21, 1970,” she stated.
Megawati expressed gratitude for her family’s patience during the decades-long struggle for justice. “it took a long time, fortunately the family was patient,” she said, her voice breaking.“It didn’t happen again like this, but if it’s wrong, it has to be wrong.”
The revocation of the decree marks a notable milestone in Indonesia’s political history, offering a measure of closure for Sukarno’s legacy. Megawati’s speech underscored the importance of historical accountability and the need to rectify past injustices.
Key Points: MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 and Its Revocation
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Decree Issued | MPRS Decree No. 33/1967, revoking Sukarno’s state powers. |
| Context | Issued after the G30S/PKI incident in 1965, amid political turmoil. |
| Allegations | Sukarno accused of failing to control the crisis; no legal process followed.|
| Revocation | Annulled by MPR leadership in 2024, 57 years after its issuance. |
| Megawati’s Reaction | expressed gratitude for family’s patience and emphasized historical justice.|
Megawati’s speech also highlighted the broader implications of the decree’s revocation.By addressing the historical narrative surrounding Sukarno’s presidency, she called for a more nuanced understanding of Indonesia’s past.
As the nation reflects on this pivotal moment, Megawati’s words serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of historical decisions. Her emotional address at the PDIP anniversary not onyl honored her father’s legacy but also reinforced the importance of justice and accountability in shaping Indonesia’s future.
For more insights into Megawati’s political journey and the legacy of Sukarno, explore this analysis on the historical context of MPRS Decree No. 33/1967.
Watch Megawati’s full speech here:
Megawati Soekarnoputri and the Historic Revocation of MPRS Decree No. 33/1967: A Conversation with Dr. Ahmad Faisal, Political historian
In a landmark moment for Indonesian political history, the revocation of MPRS decree No.33/1967 has brought closure to a decades-long struggle for justice surrounding the legacy of Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno.At the 52nd anniversary of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP),Megawati Soekarnoputri delivered an emotional speech reflecting on the decree’s annulment,marking a pivotal chapter in the nation’s journey toward historical accountability. To delve deeper into the meaning of this event,we sat down with Dr. Ahmad Faisal, a renowned political historian and expert on Indonesia’s post-independence era, to discuss the implications of the decree’s revocation and its impact on Indonesia’s political landscape.
The historical Context of MPRS Decree No. 33/1967
senior Editor: Dr. Faisal, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the historical backdrop. Can you explain the circumstances under which MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 was issued and why it was so controversial?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Thank you for having me. MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 was issued in the aftermath of the G30S/PKI incident in 1965, a period of immense political turmoil in Indonesia. The decree accused President Sukarno of failing to control the crisis and effectively stripped him of his state powers. Though, what makes this decree particularly controversial is that it was issued without any formal legal process or due diligence. Sukarno was never given the prospect to defend himself, and the allegations against him were never substantiated in a court of law. This lack of procedural fairness has long been a point of contention for Sukarno’s supporters and his family, including Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The Long Road to Justice
Senior editor: Megawati mentioned that she waited 57 years for this moment. Why did it take so long for the decree to be revoked, and what does this say about Indonesia’s approach to historical accountability?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: the delay in revoking the decree reflects the complexities of Indonesia’s political history. For decades, the narrative surrounding Sukarno’s presidency was heavily influenced by the New Order regime, which sought to diminish his legacy. It wasn’t until the fall of Suharto in 1998 that there was a gradual shift toward reevaluating Sukarno’s contributions and addressing the injustices of the past. However, even then, the process was slow due to the deeply entrenched political interests and the sensitivity of the issue. The revocation of the decree in 2024 is a testament to the persistence of Megawati and her supporters in seeking justice for her father. It also signals a growing recognition of the importance of historical accountability in shaping Indonesia’s future.
The Emotional Impact on Megawati and Her Family
Senior Editor: Megawati’s speech was deeply emotional, as she reflected on the decades-long struggle for justice. How important is this moment for her personally and for the Sukarno family as a whole?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: This moment is profoundly significant for Megawati and the Sukarno family. For Megawati, it represents the culmination of a lifelong effort to restore her father’s legacy and ensure that his contributions to Indonesia’s independence and early development are recognized. The emotional weight of her speech reflects not only her personal connection to Sukarno but also the broader struggle for justice that her family has endured.For the Sukarno family, the revocation of the decree offers a measure of closure and vindication, affirming that Sukarno’s leadership was not defined by the unproven allegations against him.
Broader Implications for Indonesia’s Political Landscape
Senior Editor: Beyond the personal significance for Megawati and her family, what are the broader implications of this decision for Indonesia’s political landscape?
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: The revocation of MPRS Decree No. 33/1967 has far-reaching implications for Indonesia’s political landscape.It underscores the importance of revisiting and rectifying historical injustices, which is crucial for fostering national reconciliation and unity. By addressing the narrative surrounding Sukarno’s presidency, this decision encourages a more nuanced understanding of Indonesia’s past, one that acknowledges both the achievements and the challenges of its early years. Additionally, it sets a precedent for future efforts to address other unresolved issues from Indonesia’s history, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in governance.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for the Future
Senior Editor: As Indonesia reflects on this pivotal moment, what lessons can be drawn for the future, particularly in terms of historical accountability and political leadership?
Dr. ahmad Faisal: The key lesson hear is the importance of historical accountability in building a just and inclusive society. the revocation of the decree demonstrates that it is never too late to correct past wrongs and honour the contributions of those who have shaped the nation. For political leaders, this moment serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of their decisions and the need to prioritize fairness and due process. Moving forward, Indonesia must continue to engage in honest and open discussions about its history, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform its path toward a more equitable and democratic future.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Faisal, for your insightful analysis. This conversation has shed light on the profound significance of the revocation of MPRS decree No. 33/1967 and its implications for Indonesia’s political and historical landscape.
Dr. Ahmad Faisal: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this crucial milestone in Indonesia’s history.
