Shadow puppet representing Gatotkatya

Gathotkatca, the son of Bima and the raksasa Hidimbi, is an important warrior in the Mahabharata. Not only does he have much of his father’s famous strength, but he can also fly, and is a valuable ally for the Pandawas during the Kurukshetra War between themselves and their cousins, the Korawas.Sukarno, Indonesia’s president from 1945-1967, often compared himself to Gathotkatca in speeches to the Indonesian public, characterizing himself as a powerful warrior. During his tenure in office, Sukarn resisted political pressure from more powerful Western countries, and associating himself with Gathotkatca highlighted his attempts to protect and defend the Indonesian nation.