Indonesia honouring Kim Jong Un with global statesmanship prize

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is a champion against neo-colonialism and imperialism, according to an Indonesian award-giving body recognising world peace proponents. The Bali-based Sukarno Centre will be awarding the supreme leader of the reclusive Asian nation its annual prize for global statesmanship.

According to Jakarta Globe, Un was chosen to receive the prestigious award following a meeting between Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of the first president of Indonesia, whom the award was named after, and Ri Jong Ryui, North Korea’s ambassador to Jakarta.

As a recipient of the Sukarno Prize, Un will join the likes of the late civil rights champion Mahatma Gandhi and Myanmar political dissident Aung San Suu Kyi. The award is typically given to world leaders as recognition of their contributions to world peace and development. Un’s father and predecessor, Kim Il Sung, also received the honour during his time.

Rachmawati praised Un for his “persistence in fighting neo-colonialism,” adding that the 32-year-old ruler has been consistent in carrying out his father’s ideals of fighting imperialism. She has also dismissed the notion that Un is a dictator, arguing the label was part of western propaganda.

“It’s common [to be branded a dictator]. To stand on one’s principles in reaching a goal, many consider this the behaviour of a dictator,” she told Jakarta Post. As she noted, her father was also once considered a dictator by western countries.

Sukarno was the first president of Indonesia, taking office for more than two decades from 1945 to 1967. Un took over the position of North Korea’s supreme leader in 2011 following Il’s death. A recent report from the U.N. states that around 10.2 million North Koreans are facing famine.

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