ISLAMABAD: Embassy of Indonesia hosted an event on Wednesday to celebrate the legacy of President Soekarno, regarded as the ‘Father of the Nation’ by Indonesia.

Chairman Senate Defence Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain praised President Soekarno as a ‘hero of the Third World,’ echoing the sentiments of those who remember his contributions for the independence of his country from Dutch colonial rule, co-founding the Non-Aligned Movement, and being a prominent advocate for anti-colonialism and unity among newly independent states in Asia and Africa.

Senator Hussain, who spent his childhood years in Jakarta, recalled President Soekarno’s unwavering support for Pakistan during the 1965 War with India. His personal connection to Indonesia was further strengthened by his father, Col. Amjad Hussain Sayed, Pakistan’s first military attaché to Indonesia. In his speech, Senator Hussain lauded Soekarno’s role as a freedom fighter and the architect of the 1955 Bandung Conference, which played a pivotal role in the rise of Asian nations, Afro-Asian Solidarity, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of a photo exhibition by Senator Mushahid. The exhibition showcased historic photographs of President Soekarno with various world leaders, capturing moments of significant diplomatic and cultural importance.

The exhibition also paid tribute to Col. Amjad Hussain Sayed, who was posthumously honoured with the Bintang Dharma (Star of Merit), Indonesia’s highest military award, by President Soekarno in 1963.

Two photographs of Colonel Sayed were prominently displayed, one depicting his meeting with President Soekarno and the other of him receiving the prestigious award.

The event took on a more personal tone when Senator Mushahid joined Indonesian students from the Islamic University in Islamabad in singing an Indonesian song, showcasing the deep cultural ties between the two countries.

Yusran Hardomo, the acting ambassador of Indonesia, spoke at the function, highlighting the historical connections and shared values between Indonesia and Pakistan. Other notable speakers included Dr. Imam, head of the Indonesian Archives; Asif Iqbal Khan, Director-General of the National Library; and Dr. Mazhar Saeed, Director of the National Archives.

This also celebrated the longstanding relationship between Indonesia and Pakistan, rooted in shared history and aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2023