Indonesian Embassy in Rome inaugurates Soekarno statue for Pancasila Day

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Indonesian Embassy in Rome commemorated Pancasila Day, which falls on June 1, 2026, by holding a ceremony and unveiling a statue of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno.

Indonesian Ambassador to Italy Junimart Girsang said in his speech that the statue of President Soekarno is a form of respect for his diplomatic heritage, as well as a symbol of continuing the spirit of an active and free foreign policy which continues to be maintained and preserved by the Indonesian Embassy in Rome to this day.

“Crowded Karno (Soekarno) taught us that strong diplomacy is born from the courage of vision and self-confidence as a nation,” Junimart said in a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Rome on Monday, as cited by BETWEEN.

“I hope that this statue will inspire all Indonesian diplomats and citizens present here to continue to carry the same fire of struggle and the same spirit: Indonesia is a sovereign, dignified nation and always present on the world stage,” he added.

The bronze statue located at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome depicts President Soekarno in an iconic pose of respect, standing with a straight gaze, dressed in his uniform, symbolizing the strength, decisiveness and courage of a leader who brought Indonesia’s name to the world.

The initiative of the Indonesian Embassy in Rome to present this statue is inseparable from the long history that links Indonesia, Italy and the figure of Soekarno himself. The Indonesian Embassy building in Rome, Via Campania 55, and the ambassador’s residence, Via Piemonte 123, were acquired by order of President Soekarno and officially became the property of the Indonesian government in January 1956, as part of its vision to position Indonesia prestigiously among the capitals of the world’s leading nations.

Shortly thereafter, from June 10 to 13, 1956, President Soekarno made his first state visit to Italy and was welcomed by the Italian President, Giovanni Gronchi, at an official state meeting at the Quirinale Palace.

During the same visit, President Soekarno met with Pope Pius XII at the Vatican and received the Grand Cross of the Order of Pian. He returned to the Vatican in 1959 and 1964, where he was received respectively by Popes John XXIII and Paul VI.

Soekarno’s granddaughter and House Speaker Puan Maharani was also present as an inspector of the Pancasila Birth Day Commemoration Ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome. In his speech, Puan highlighted the importance of Indonesian citizens maintaining national values ​​when living abroad.

“To the Indonesian Embassy in Rome and to all Indonesian citizens in Italy, please keep Pancasila in your hearts. Pancasila is part of our identity as Indonesians, wherever we are,” he said.

This enthusiasm has resonated with the younger generation. Representing the Indonesian diaspora and students in Italy, Dimas Prasetia delivered a speech at the event, highlighting the younger generation’s commitment to advancing national ideals.

“I hope the unveiling of the Bung Karno statue will serve as a reminder that the Indonesian spirit must continue to be present on the world stage. Our duty, the younger generation, is to dare to dream big for Indonesia, wherever we are,” Dimas said.

The statue of President Soekarno at the Indonesian Embassy in Rome was created by Gusti Dipa Art Gallery, a small and medium-sized Indonesian fine art company with over 30 years of experience in sculpture, operating in Bantul, Yogyakarta and Bekasi.

The award of the project to local MSMEs demonstrates the Indonesian Embassy in Rome’s commitment to developing Indonesia’s creative industry. It also contributes to a legacy of cultural diplomacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Read: Prabowo calls for transition to Pancasila-based economy

Click here to receive the latest news from Tempo on Google News