News regarding the Soekarno tape controversy has resurfaced, a matter that once again places the former Indonesian president, Sukarno, at the centre of public discussion. This decades-old saga, allegedly involving Sukarno and a Soviet female agent, has prompted Indonesian authorities to launch a new investigation.
The Soekarno tape scandal dates back to the 1950s and was reportedly used by the Soviet Union in its efforts to blackmail Sukarno. Yet, the tape’s location has remained enigmatic over the years, and its authenticity has been questioned by many historians and experts. As this historical event re-emerges, it revives old controversies and invites fresh examination, highlighting the complex interplay of politics, espionage, and collective memory.
The scandal revolves around a supposed sex tape featuring intimate scenes between Sukarno and a woman claimed to be a Soviet spy. The KGB, the intelligence agency of the Soviet Union, is believed to have recorded the tape. The purpose was allegedly to pressurise Sukarno into advocating for the communist cause domestically and internationally. The Soviet ambassador in Jakarta is said to have shown Sukarno the tape, threatening to publicly disclose it if Sukarno refused to comply with their demands.
Interestingly, Sukarno was reportedly unfazed by the threat and even asked for additional copies to share with his friends and allies. He is said to have proudly declared his sexual conquest of the spy. The scandal gained public attention after it was referenced in a book by former CIA agent Joseph Burkholder Smith, who claimed to have seen the tape while posted in Indonesia. He also claimed that the CIA had endeavoured, unsuccessfully, to use the tape against Sukarno.
Fast forward to 2023, and the tape scandal is back in the limelight following the initiation of a fresh investigation by the Indonesian authorities. The National Commission on Human Rights is leading the investigation, expressing its intent to shed light on the truth behind the scandal and its implications for Sukarno’s legacy and human rights. Several of Sukarno’s kin and supporters have voiced their backing for the investigation, hoping to absolve Sukarno’s name and reputation from the defamatory campaign waged against him.
However, the investigation has also attracted criticism and scepticism. Critics argue that the tape scandal is irrelevant and outdated and does not impact Indonesia’s current circumstances and challenges. They also express doubts about the tape’s existence or its likelihood of being located after such a long period. The inquiry is still underway with no conclusive results to date.
The National Commission on Human Rights stated that it would continue to follow all potential leads, including reaching out to former KGB agents and CIA operatives who may have knowledge about the tape. The commission also expressed its willingness to cooperate with other countries and organisations that might hold clues or records pertaining to the tape.
