Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Kudatuli Incident, Hasto: The Roots of Grass Can Never Be Removed from Power

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP) DPP, Hasto Kristiyanto, emphasized that the power of the people or grassroots will never be revoked by the power of the regime or power.

This was conveyed by Hasto when delivering a national speech in the 30th anniversary of the July 27th Riot (Kudatuli) event at the PDIP DPP Building, Central Jakarta, Sunday (26/7/2026).

"The grass can be mowed. The grass can be trampled, can be burned to black the ground, but the roots remain in the ground. Once it is watered with rainwater, it grows back, thicker than before. That is what those who stormed the PDI office never understood," said Hasto.

He added that this grassroots philosophy underlies the character of PDIP's struggle to continue to move in tandem with the little people.

The Theatrical Raid on the PDI DPP Office July 27, 1996

The 30th anniversary of the Kudatuli event was marked by a theatrical performance that depicted the tension of the invasion of the PDI DPP office on July 27, 1996.

At that time, Megawati Soekarnoputri's support headquarters was raided by PDI masses from the Soerjadi camp, which received support from the New Order regime. This series of art performances was presented to care for historical memories and educate the younger generation.

National and Traditional Art Ruwatan procession

After the theatrical performance, the series of events continued with the National Ruwatan procession led directly by the indigenous people of Kasepuhan Cisungsang, Banten Kidul.

The ritual was held as a symbol of inner cleansing, taking care of the collective memory of the nation, and offering prayers for the victims who died in the tragedy of July 27, 1996.

The atmosphere became more solemn when the Kasepuhan Cilebang indigenous people performed the traditional art performance Ngarengkong.

As a closing of the event, the cultural and artist Butet Kartaredjasa was also present to read a poem entitled "Fighting and Fighting" which aroused the national spirit of the participants present.