Megawati Soekarnoputri, former President of Indonesia, has sent a letter of congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei following his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. The move comes as Iran navigates a period of political transition following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In her message, delivered through the Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Megawati emphasized the importance of national sovereignty.
The Iranian Ambassador, Mohammad Boroujerdi, visited Megawati at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, to receive the message.
“This selection took place amidst various challenges and a not entirely conducive situation, yet His Excellency has been able to gain the great trust of Iranian scholars and the people of Iran. This election is a real testament to His Excellency’s leadership, competence, depth of knowledge, and steadfastness in bridging differences and uniting Iranian leadership,” Megawati wrote in her letter, as seen by news outlets on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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Megawati too referenced the message of her father, Indonesia’s first President, Bung Karno, regarding the importance of national unity and defending national sovereignty. She affirmed that Bung Karno strongly opposed all forms of imperialism and colonialism.
“Bung Karno, Proclamator, Father of the Indonesian Nation, the First President of the Republic of Indonesia, who is also my father, always emphasized the importance of national unity, national independence, and steadfastness in defending the sovereignty and independence of the nation. Throughout his struggle, Bung Karno consistently fostered brotherhood among the nations of Asia, Africa, and Latin America to build a new world order by freeing themselves from all forms of imperialism and colonialism,” Megawati stated.
“This struggle was built through the Asian-African Conference in 1955, the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961, the Conference on the Prohibition of Foreign Military Bases in 1965, and the Conference of the New Emerging Forces (CONEFO) in 1965,” she added.
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Pesan Megawati ke pimpinan tertinggi Iran Mojtaba Khamenei. Foto: Istimewa
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Megawati assessed Bung Karno’s geopolitical thinking as an effort to realize equality, justice, and a strong vision for world peace. In her message, she highlighted the character and fighting spirit of the Iranian people to this day.
“I believe that the long history of Iranian civilization has shaped a remarkable character and fighting spirit. Even amidst various pressures and long-lasting economic sanctions, the Iranian nation has been able to stand as a sovereign nation in politics, independent in economics, and possessing a distinct personality in culture – or what is known as Bung Karno’s Trisakti,” Megawati said.
She believes Mojtaba’s leadership aligns with that of previous leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to Megawati, the struggle to uphold justice and reject submission to neo-imperialist forces was also part of Bung Karno’s leadership.
“I am confident that the trust placed in His Excellency will continue the legacy of previous leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran who shared the same views as Bung Karno, especially in the struggle to uphold global justice,” Megawati said.
“As a nation, we believe that the world should be built on the principles of peaceful coexistence, equality, justice, and humanity without barriers. This principle reflects the philosophy and ideology of our nation, Pancasila, and is enshrined in our constitution,” she continued.
In her message, Megawati also expressed hope that the United Nations (UN) would play an active role in the Middle East conflict, advocating for the UN to take a central role in halting all forms of unilateral invasion.
“Bung Karno also emphasized the importance of revitalizing the UN so that it could become an authoritative world institution, capable of upholding justice, and serving as an equal forum for nations around the world. With that spirit, I hope that the UN today can truly play its active role in upholding human dignity by stopping all forms of unilateral invasion, respecting the sovereignty of independent countries, and resolving conflicts through constructive dialogue,” Megawati said.
Megawati extended her congratulations on the trust placed in Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the Supreme Leader, and expressed her hope that his leadership would guide Iran towards progress, dignity, and a more peaceful world.
“Once again, congratulations on assuming the position of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Trust has been given and great challenges await. Allow me to offer my sincere prayers that His Excellency will always receive strength, wisdom, and divine guidance to lead Iran out of crisis, guide the Iranian nation towards just and dignified progress, and build a more peaceful and constructive world for all of humanity,” she concluded.
(dwr/idh)
