IndoNEWSian – Surabaya | To commemorate the birth of Indonesia’s founding father, Bung Karno, which falls on June 6, the Surabaya Branch of PDI Perjuangan (DPC) organized a meaningful humanitarian action in the Peneleh area—Bung Karno’s birthplace. Hundreds of basic food packages were distributed to underprivileged residents as part of the annual “Bulan Bung Karno” (Bung Karno Month) held by the party bearing the white-snouted bull symbol.
However, this year’s activity went far beyond a mere ritual or symbolic tradition. Under the morning sun, cutting through the narrow alleys of Peneleh, PDI Perjuangan cadres walked from door to door, embodying the spirit of gotong royong (mutual cooperation), a core value championed by Bung Karno.
“We don’t want to remember Bung Karno merely as a figure in history, but to revive his spirit through real work among the people,”
— Hadrean Renanda, Chair of Bung Karno Month Committee, DPC PDI Perjuangan Surabaya
Taking place right around Bung Karno’s historical house, the activity served as a reminder that struggle is not about statues or monuments—it lies in action. The food packages distributed directly to the people symbolized the party’s commitment to wong cilik, the common people, in alignment with the values of marhaenism.
“Bung Karno once said that gotong royong is the heartbeat of Pancasila. We are striving to bring that to life today,”
— Hadrean Renanda
Hadrean explained that this initiative reflects the spirit of Trisakti: economic self-reliance, political sovereignty, and cultural identity. The food aid was just one form of a broader mission to internalize Bung Karno’s values in modern civic life.
The humble old house of Bung Karno, nestled in a cramped alley in Peneleh, stood as a silent witness that the struggle is far from over. It was from this house that great ideas were born. And today, from the very same spot, party cadres reignited the flame of people’s empowerment.
“Bung Karno was born in Peneleh, and today, at the very same place, his spirit lives on in the form of aid for those in need.”
This is not merely about distributing food—it is a continuing effort to build humanitarian politics. Amid various social challenges, PDI Perjuangan Surabaya has shown that politics can be a bridge of hope, not just a tool for power.
“This activity reaffirms that true politics is a means of service, not just an instrument of power,”
— Hadrean Renanda
Yordan M. Batara Goa, Acting Chair of DPC PDI Perjuangan Surabaya, delivered a strong message on the occasion:
“We are not here to campaign—we are here to serve. This is politics that sides with the people, just as Bung Karno taught us,”
— Yordan M. Batara Goa
“True commemoration is not celebration—it is dedication.”
— Yordan M. Batara Goa
The initiative received a warm response from local residents. Saiful Hari, Chair of RW 13 in Peneleh, expressed his appreciation:
“I express my deepest thanks to all members of PDI Perjuangan who always care about our community. Be it through social aid, education, or development—whenever our residents reach out to PDIP representatives, they always respond.”
As a community leader in Bung Karno’s birthplace, Saiful emphasized the importance of preserving such traditions:
“We are grateful and hope that attention like this will only grow stronger every year. The city government and PDI Perjuangan have never forgotten these sacred moments—especially every June or July.” ***
