Bung Karno's Exile House Site

Bung Karno's Exile House Site in Ende: The Womb of Pancasila in Flobamora Land

Bung Karno's Exile House Site, located on Jalan Perwira, Kotaraja Village, North Ende District, Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, is more than just an old colonial relic. This place is a silent witness to one of the most crucial fragments in the history of Indonesia's struggle for independence. In this simple house, Soekarno, the Proclamator, spent four years in exile (1934–1938) and formulated the philosophical foundation of the nation that we know as Pancasila.

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Historical Background and Exile Period

The origin of this site is closely related to the repressive policies of the Dutch East Indies colonial government against national movement figures. On December 28, 1933, Governor-General Jonkheer Meester Bonifacius Cornelis de Jonge issued a decree exiling Soekarno to Ende. This decision was made without a trial (using exorbitante rechten) after Soekarno was arrested at the residence of Mohammad Husni Thamrin in Jakarta.

Soekarno arrived at Ende harbor on January 14, 1934, aboard the ship Jan van Riebeeck. He did not come alone; he brought his wife, Inggit Garnasih, his mother-in-law, Ibu Amsi, and his two adopted children, Ratna Djuami and Kartika. The Dutch government chose Ende due to its isolated location on Flores Island, hoping to sever Soekarno's political ties with the movement network in Java and to soften his revolutionary spirit through loneliness and isolation.

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Architecture and Building Construction Details

The house where Soekarno resided belonged to a local resident named Haji Abdullah Ambuwaru. Architecturally, the building represents a middle-class dwelling in a tropical region in the early 20th century. Its main structure adopts the traditional Flores architectural style combined with simple colonial touches.

The building has walls made of finely plastered and white-painted brick. The floor is ordinary cement, reflecting Soekarno's simple life during his exile. The roof is a high hip roof designed for good air circulation in Ende's hot climate. The interior of the house consists of a living room, several bedrooms, and a back room that served as the kitchen and service area.

The uniqueness of this site is its preserved original layout. In the backyard, there is an old well that is still functional today. This well was used by Soekarno and his family for daily needs. Additionally, there is a spacious yard where Soekarno often gardened to ward off boredom and maintain his physical fitness.

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Historical Significance: The Birth of Pancasila's Principles

The most fundamental historical value of this site is its role as Soekarno's "thought laboratory." Amidst his isolation, Soekarno engaged in deep contemplation about the future of the diverse Indonesian nation. One of the most famous unique facts is Soekarno's habit of meditating under a five-branched breadfruit tree facing Ende Bay.

It was under that breadfruit tree that Soekarno found inspiration for five pearls of thought that later became Pancasila. He realized that Indonesia's independence must be based on values dug from the Indonesian earth itself, not merely imitating foreign ideologies. Therefore, Ende is often nicknamed the "Womb City of Pancasila."

In addition to philosophical contemplation, Soekarno was also active in socio-cultural activities in Ende. He founded a theater group named "Kelimutu" and wrote at least 12 drama scripts, such as Dr. Sjaitan, Rahasia Kelimutu, and Roro Hoeloebalang. Through drama, Soekarno subtly conveyed messages of patriotism and unity to the local residents without excessive suspicion from the Dutch supervisors.

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Related Figures and Social Life

During his time in Ende, Soekarno forged close relationships with various segments of society. One of the most significant relationships was his friendship with Catholic priests from the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) order, such as Father Huijtink and Father Bouma. Despite their different beliefs, they often discussed theology, philosophy, and social issues in the library of St. Konradus Monastery, now known as St. Yosef Monastery. This interfaith interaction strengthened Soekarno's thoughts on tolerance and inclusive nationhood.

The presence of Ibu Amsi in this house also adds a unique emotional note. Soekarno's mother-in-law passed away in 1935 and was buried in Ende. Ibu Amsi's grave remains an inseparable part of the historical narrative of this exile site, demonstrating the great sacrifices of family in accompanying Soekarno's struggle.

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Preservation Efforts and Cultural Heritage Status

Bung Karno's Exile House Site has been designated as a National Cultural Heritage Object. Its management is under the Directorate of Cultural Protection, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Major restoration efforts were carried out in 2012 by the Bung Karno Foundation in collaboration with the local government.

During the restoration, the government was very careful not to alter the original form of the building. Original artifacts left by Soekarno are still neatly stored inside the house, including the iron bed used by Soekarno, his violin, dining utensils, paintings by Bung Karno, and original drama scripts. The interior arrangement was done in such a way that visitors can feel the atmosphere of Soekarno's life in the 1930s.

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The Site's Importance in a Modern Context

For the people of Ende and Indonesia in general, this site is not just a museum, but a symbol of steadfast principles. Soekarno's success in transforming the suffering of exile into intellectual energy to birth the nation's ideology makes it a place of ideological pilgrimage for national leaders and youth. Every June 1st, coinciding with Pancasila's Birthday, this site becomes the center of national attention with various ceremonies and cultural commemorations.

Bung Karno's Exile House Site in Ende stands as a reminder that even in the most remote places, a great idea about national unity can be born. The strength of its simple yet sturdy architecture, combined with the richness of its historical narrative, makes this place one of the most sacred historical sites in the long journey towards an independent Indonesia.