HARIANEXPRESS – Komjen Pol (Purn) Budi Waseso, Chairman of the National Kwartir (Kwarnas) of the Scout Movement, made a pilgrimage to the Tomb of Bung Karno in Blitar City, East Java, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. This visit officially commenced the series of events for the 65th Scout Day, an initiative to honor national figures and the movement’s founders. The upcoming celebration is slated to begin on August 13, 2026, involving approximately 24,000 participants from across Indonesia.
Kwarnas Chairman Honors Bung Karno in Blitar Pilgrimage
Budi Waseso’s arrival was accompanied by HM Arum Sabil, Chairman of the Regional Kwartir (Kwarda) Gerakan Pramuka Jawa Timur, along with other board members. This pilgrimage serves as a crucial starting point for the 65th Scout Day commemoration in 2026.
The event is intended to pay respect to the nation’s founding figures. Choosing pilgrimages to national heroes’ tombs highlights the historical roots of the national scouting organization.
Importance of Bung Karno’s Role in Scout Movement
The decision to begin the pilgrimage at Bung Karno’s Tomb underscores the first President of Indonesia’s vital role in the history of Pramuka. Bung Karno officially inaugurated the Gerakan Pramuka on August 14, 1961.
He also handed over the Gerakan Pramuka Banner on that significant date. This tradition reminds the younger generation to remember the Proclamator’s struggle in uniting scouting organizations nationwide.
Extensive National Participation and Further Pilgrimages
Budi Waseso stated that the 65th Scout Day celebration will include around 24,000 participants from various Kwartir levels across Indonesia. The entire series of activities is scheduled to run from August 13, 2026, leading up to the main event.
Following the visit to Blitar, the Kwarnas delegation plans to continue their pilgrimage journey. They are set to visit the tomb of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, widely recognized as the Father of Indonesian Scouts.
The group will also pay respects at the tombs of President Soeharto and Ibu Tien Soeharto. Their contributions are remembered for generously donating the land for Buperta Cibubur.
