Jakarta, March 1, 2026
To
His Excellency,
The Interim Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran; The President;
The Government, and all the People of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Subject: Condolences on the Passing of His Eminence Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
With the highest respect,
With a shocked and deeply grieved heart, I, Prof. Dr. Megawati Soekarnoputri, as the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, and representing the extended family of Dr. (H.C) Ir. Soekarno (Bung Karno), as well as Chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), express our deepest condolences on the passing of His Excellency Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who died in a sudden military attack launched by Israel and the United States against Iran on February 28, 2026. Personally, and on behalf of the extended family of Bung Karno, as well as representing the Indonesian nation and people who love peace, justice, and the sovereignty of an independent state, I express our sincere sympathy and solidarity to the family, government, and all the people of Iran.
For more than three decades, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has led his nation through extremely difficult circumstances, amid geopolitical pressures, economic sanctions, and military threats, while consistently defending his country’s sovereignty and the dignity of the Islamic world. In him, we see a cleric (religious leader) and statesman who strives to combine religious faith, social justice, and anti-imperialism in a consistent line of struggle.
For us in Indonesia, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has a spiritual and intellectual affinity with the struggle of Bung Karno, the Founding Father, Proclaimer and First President of the Republic of Indonesia.
Various testimonies show how, from a young age, he admired Bung Karno, read his thoughts, and used Indonesia’s experience, especially Pancasila and the spirit of the Bandung Principles, as a reference in formulating a synthesis between religion, nationality, and social justice in Iran. In his leadership, we see echoes of the spirit of anti-colonialism, Third World solidarity, and the determination to reject all forms of global domination and injustice.
As the eldest daughter of Bung Karno, the initiator of the Asian-African Conference and one of the architects of the Non-Aligned Movement, I feel a deep historical and ideological bond between the people of Indonesia and Iran. This brotherhood is established not only through formal diplomacy, but also through a shared destiny as nations that oppose all forms of colonialism, fight for independence, and desire a more just and dignified world order.
Today, I remember my official visit to Tehran in 2004, in my capacity as President of the Republic of Indonesia. The visit was to attend the D-8 Conference and to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. At that time, I had the opportunity to meet with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I felt a warm welcome and charisma of leadership radiating from him. I remember inviting him directly to come to Indonesia to attend the International Islamic Scholars Conference in Jakarta in February 2004 and the 50th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference in 2005, although he did not have the opportunity to visit Indonesia before his passing.
On various occasions, I have also personally experienced the hospitality, respect, and closeness of Iranian leaders, who always refer to Indonesia as a long-time friend in the struggle against colonialism, imperialism, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Memories of these meetings are now even more meaningful as we bid farewell to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On this occasion, I need to reiterate that the Indonesian people stand with the Iranian people in rejecting and strongly condemning all forms of unilateral military aggression that violate state sovereignty and endanger regional and world peace. We believe in the principle that we have upheld since the era of Bung Karno until today, namely that conflicts must be resolved through dialogue, fair negotiations, and respect for international law, not through violence and the use of armed force.
To the extended family of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leaders and clerics of Iran, and all the people of Iran, allow me to offer prayers that Allah, the Most Gracious and Merciful, will grant him a place at His side, accept all his good deeds, and forgive all his mistakes. May the Iranian people be blessed with strength, unity, and wisdom to get through these difficult times, and be able to maintain the independence, honor, dignity, and sovereignty of their country amid the raging storms of history.
In this time of deep sorrow, may we continue to uphold the finest legacy of our predecessors, both Bung Karno in Indonesia and the leaders of the revolution in Iran. In the spirit and determination to build a peaceful world, free from imperialism and hegemony, and to stand with the oppressed. May the friendship between the Indonesian and Iranian peoples be preserved and even strengthened in the future.
With my highest consideration,
Prof. Dr. Megawati Soekarnoputri
The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia
c.c.: Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Jakarta
.
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