Indonesian film 'Ghost in the Cell' celebrated during Bung Karno Month

Kulturnesia, an initiative by the National Culture Body (BKN) of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), organized a special screening of Joko Anwar's film 'Ghost in the Cell' in Jakarta. The event, held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, was part of the ongoing celebration of Bung Karno Month, commemorating the birth of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.

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Kulturnesia is a community formed by BKN for a movement. First, so that we appreciate and support arts and culture.

Once Mekel, head of PDIP's BKN, explained that the film screening served as a form of appreciation for Indonesian artistic achievements and a way to keep the spirit of Bung Karno's ideas alive. He stressed the importance of culture being deeply rooted in the lives of the people, serving as a source of inspiration, national unity, and a means to elevate Indonesia's dignity on the global stage.

"Culture must be rooted in the lives of the Indonesian people and must also inspire us all as a source of unity and lift our dignity as a nation," Mekel stated. He added that the month of June, marking Bung Karno's birthday on June 6, 1901, is a crucial time not just to remember his life but to collectively maintain the "flame of his spirit and ideas."

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Culture must be rooted in the lives of the Indonesian people and must also inspire us all as a source of unity and lift our dignity as a nation.

The screening was attended by the Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, Rano Karno, who praised the film's success. 'Ghost in the Cell' has garnered nearly 4 million viewers since its release on April 16 and has achieved significant international recognition, with distribution rights sold in 148 countries. Rano Karno connected Bung Karno's views on art and film, noting that the former president saw them not merely as entertainment but as vital cultural expressions, referencing Sukarno's creation of theatrical performances during his exile.

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We want to be always reminded, not only to commemorate the life of Bung Karno but also for us to together keep the flame of his spirit, the ideas of Bung Karno that will never die.

Artist and PDIP politician Krisdayanti also lauded the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting Bung Karno's Trisakti principles, particularly cultural self-reliance. She congratulated the film's team on their international achievement, underscoring how such successes contribute to Indonesia's global standing.

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This film based on data since April 16 has been watched by almost 4 million viewers. Then, what's extraordinary is that it also recorded international achievement with distribution rights sold in 148 countries. This is an extraordinary achievement. This is what makes Indonesia an anomaly.