Indonesia has a lot of historical tourist attractions to visit. Among Indonesia’s historical sites for independence, the Bung Karno Contemplation Park has been sought after by tourists. You can find this place in Ende, East Nusa Tenggara.
Notably, you should visit this site if you are interested in the history of the independence of Indonesia. Soekarno, Indonesia’s first president, initiated five unifying principles known as Pancasila in this location.
Thus, if you are interested in the history of Indonesia’s independence, this is a historical site that you must visit.
About Bung Karno Contemplation Park
In the vicinity of 51 L 0350879, UTM 9022133, and 9 meters above sea level, this historic park covers an area of 2,700 square meters (or 52 meters x 52 meters).
The park sits in Rukun Lima Village, South Ende District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Located at the top of the bay, there are views of the open sea from this park.
Amenities of Taman Renungan Bung Karno
Here, you can visit some historic sites. The first spot is the museum of the exile house of Soekarno, which is open to the public. Photographs, oration documents, and original furniture from when Soekarno lived here are on display at this museum.
As well as the museum, there is a statue of Soekarno about 700 meters away under a breadfruit tree, where he created Pancasila, a principle for all Indonesian citizens.
In honor of Soekarno’s contributions in formulating Pancasila, people celebrate Pancasila Day every June 1st. Be sure not to miss this event if you plan to visit this historic destination.
How to Get to Taman Renungan Bung Karno
There are several ways to get there. You can transit through Soekarno Hatta International Airport to reach H. Hasan Aroeboesman Airport in Ende if you are from outside Indonesia.
Alternately, you can transit at Denpasar (Bali) or Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara) and continue to Ende from there.
In Ende, you can take a taxi or a tourist bus. For buses, there are two big terminals in the city. They are Wolowona Terminal and Ndao Terminal. Nearby hotels are also available.
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Currently, tickets cost twenty thousand rupiahs. Price may vary on Saturdays and Sundays.
History of Taman Renungan Bung Karno
Bung Karno Contemplation Park is dedicated to the memory of the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno, and named “Taman Renungan Bung Karno” in Indonesian.
Thus, the park’s name comes from the fact that Soekarno was exiled here by the Dutch East Indies for quite some time. President Soekarno spent four years in prison here from 1934 to 1938.
During this time of exile, Soekarno searched for a place to stop. He ended up stopping at a house belonging to Abdullah Ambuwawu with his wife, adopted son, and mother-in-law.
Exile of Soekarno in Ende
Having been a very active anticolonialist figure in Indonesia, the Dutch East Indies party was very concerned. Thus, the Dutch East Indies government exiled him on the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia.
While the Dutch pressured him to limit his correspondence and access to the outside world, he tried to make himself and his family could endure it all.
Due to this exile, he learned about Islam and comprehended the concept of pluralism from the pastor in Ende. Besides that, he was also painting and writing drama scripts.
The Pancasila Formula
Despite his exile, Soekarno remained committed to finding ways to free Indonesia from the Dutch East India Company’s colonial rule. Under a breadfruit tree, he contemplated every day in the garden.
During this period, he realized that for Indonesia to become independent, there must be something that can unite all parties.
That thought led him to create the principle he later called Pancasila. From that moment on, he developed the fundamental principles of an independent country.
What is Pancasila?
Originally derived from Sanskrit, Pancasila combines five (panca) with principles (sila). Pancasila adheres to the following principles:
- “Belief in the One Supreme God”
- “A Just and Civilized Humanity”
- “The Unity of Indonesia”
- “Democracy led by the inherent wisdom of consensus arising from deliberation among popular representatives”
- “Social Justice for all the people of Indonesia.”
Closing
If you wish to visit historical places of interest in Indonesia, Bung Karno Contemplation Park is the right place for you. Over there, you can witness the hardship of formulating the fundamental principles for Indonesians, Pancasila.
