When Bung Karno Apologised to the Guards During Halalbihalal at the Palace (1)

Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, tomorrow, Kompas recaptures the atmosphere of Eid celebrations from president to president since the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soekarno, based on Kompas archives and a number of literatures. A number of interesting stories are raised, including stories that are full of values for the next generation. This Eid al-Fitr article in the Bung Karno era is the first of seven articles that will be published today.

Have you ever imagined a president leading a nation as large as Indonesia apologizing to his bodyguard? Such a moment truly occurred during Eid al-Fitr in the era of Indonesia's first President, Soekarno, also known as Bung Karno. What is the story behind it?

H. Mangil Martowidjojo, in his book titled "Testimony about Bung Karno 1945-1967," noted that every Eid, precisely after the Eid prayer in the courtyard of the Jakarta Palace, Bung Karno always held a halalbihalal gathering. The event, attended by all residents and staff of the Palace along with their families—Mangil detailed from gardeners to the Director of the Presidential Cabinet—was held at the Merdeka Palace.

"If by chance I was shaking hands with Bung Karno, Bung Karno would always say, 'Mangil, I deeply apologize. I have made many mistakes toward you,' while holding my hand very tightly," wrote Mangil, who served as the Commander of the Presidential Personal Guard Detachment for more than two decades during Bung Karno's administration, in his book.

There is no wealth, painting, or palace in this world that could bring me the joy I felt at that time. I cannot forget that event for the rest of my life.

Long before assuming the presidency in this country, Bung Karno, during his youth, had memories related to Eid. His childhood experiences of Eid, which remained vivid even in the final years of his presidency, were associated with firecrackers.

An air of sadness was evident as Bung Karno reminisced about his childhood in Mojokerto, East Java. At that time, as a young boy, Bung Karno could not afford to buy or play with firecrackers due to his family's financial situation, which was unfavorable at the time.

"On Eid day more than half a century ago, I lay alone in my small bedroom, which was only big enough for one bed, sorrowfully peering toward the sky through three small air holes in the bamboo wall," he said, as written in the book "Bung Karno: Penyambung Lidah Rakyat Indonesia," an autobiography conveyed to Cindy Adams (1966).

The book recounts Bung Karno's sorrow when he could not have firecrackers, while his friends cheered with joy at the sound of firecrackers being lit.

“Can anyone know how you felt as a little boy when all your friends somehow managed to buy those one-cent firecrackers, and you couldn’t? You would feel very sad,” Bung Karno said.

However, in his autobiography, Bung Karno did not always tell about his sad experiences. There was a “happy ending” around the discussion of this childhood toy when one night a guest came to see Bung Karno's father. The guest brought a package that turned out to contain firecrackers.

"There is no treasure, painting, or palace in this world that can give me joy like that time. I can't forget that event throughout my life," said Bung Karno, which was verified by the inclusion of this childhood event in the book of his life story.

Halalbihalal is a typical Indonesian tradition that is a means of friendship. At that moment, all those present can forgive each other in the atmosphere of Lebaran.

Returning to Mangil's testimony, it can be seen that the halalbihalal tradition has been going on in the Palace since the era of the First President of the Republic of Indonesia. The matter of the Eid prayer held at the Jakarta Palace as written by Mangil in his book was also confirmed through the archives of the Kompas Daily published on Thursday, January 20, 1966 or 59 years ago.

It was written on the first page of Kompas at that time that (with spelling adjustments): After meeting President Sukarno on Wednesday, Coordinating Minister for Religion Prof. K.H. Sjaifuddin Zuchri explained to the press that the Eid prayer at the Baitulrachim Palace Mosque was set for Sunday, January 23, 1966 at 07.30. At the prayer ceremony, Coordinating Minister Sjaifuddin Zuchri would act as the imam while the khatib would be the Minister of DPRGR Chairman Arudji Kartawinata.

Regarding the moment around the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, on Wednesday, January 26, 1966, Kompas put a photo on page one. The display consisted of two photos. The photo on the left was taken when President Sukarno was having a halalbihalal with ambassadors and officials in Jakarta.

The photo on the right was taken when President Sukarno gave a speech at the Eid prayer at the Baiturachim Mosque which was also attended by the Ministers of the Dwikora Cabinet and representatives of friendly countries who are Muslims. Both events took place in order to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of the era of the first President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Sukarno.

A single photo can depict so many impressions and memories. Not to mention the photos that capture the atmosphere around Lebaran in the past.