I take after Sukarno, claims Abdurrahman<\/p>\n
BLITAR, East Java (JP): While lauding the nation's founding
\nfather, President Abdurrahman Wahid used his address at a
\nceremony commemorating the 31st anniversary of first president
\nSukarno's death, to promote his own polices, which he said were
\nstrongly influenced by Sukarno's teachings.<\/p>\n
The President claimed that, since childhood, he had carefully
\nstudied Sukarno's teachings through his father Wahid Hasyim, the
\ncountry's first religious affairs minister, and his grandfather,
\nNahdlatul Ulama (NU) founder Hasyim Ashari.<\/p>\n
\"Although I am not able to see, it has been my destiny to lead
\nthis country,\" Abdurrahman said.<\/p>\n
The President, however, was clearly irritated when people
\nshouted the name of Sukarno's eldest daughter, Vice President
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri, who also attended the event in Blitar
\nSquare.<\/p>\n
\"Mega is our president,\" some yelled.<\/p>\n
\"If you continue yelling, it means you humiliate the name of
\nthe Vice President. Let us honor the Vice President by behaving
\nduring this meeting,\" Abdurrahman said.<\/p>\n
\"Long live Mega,\" the crowed shouted again.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman left the venue soon after his speech, saying he
\nhad another important engagement in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The ceremony on Wednesday night was the climax in a series of
\ncelebrations commemorating Sukarno, which have also marked the
\ncentenary of his birth.<\/p>\n
Born on June 6, 1901, Sukarno led the country's struggle for
\nindependence in 1945. He then ruled the country until being
\nremoved from power in 1966.<\/p>\n
His successor, Soeharto, placed him under house arrest until
\nhis death on June 21, 1970.<\/p>\n
Although wishing to be buried in Bogor, Soeharto ordered that
\nhe be buried in Blitar, where his parents were also buried.<\/p>\n
During Soeharto's rule, Sukarno's name was very much relegated
\nas a historical footnote.<\/p>\n
\"This is the first time a celebration for Sukarno has been
\nattended by both a president and vice president,\" said Rachmawati
\nSoekarnoputri, who addressed the gathering on behalf of the
\nSukarno family.<\/p>\n
Rachmawati talked at length about her father's suffering
\nduring the final years of his life.<\/p>\n
Megawati did not make a speech during the event.<\/p>\n
Touching on the treatment of her father during the New Order
\nera, Rachmawati said that she had been told \"a member of a very
\nimportant family from Jakarta came to Blitar (recently) to
\ndeliver their family's apology to Sukarno\".<\/p>\n
The presence of both Abdurrahman and Megawati offered one of
\nthe increasingly rare occasions that both leaders have attended
\nthe same event.<\/p>\n
The two have been increasingly distant since political
\nantagonism has heated up in the leadup to a special session of
\nthe People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) slated for Aug. 1. The
\nsession could lead to Abdurrahman's impeachment.<\/p>\n
Abdurrahman and Megawati arrived in Blitar separately on
\nWednesday evening, with Megawati expected to stay in East Java
\nuntil Thursday.<\/p>\n
Initially, there were fears that the political impasse among
\nthe nation's leaders would seep through to the grassroots level
\nand jeopardize the ceremony, however, there was no disruption to
\nproceedings.<\/p>\n
Sukarno's children, including Sukmawati Soekarnoputri and
\nGuruh Soekarnoputra sat in front row seats.<\/p>\n
Dewi Soekarno, one of Sukarno's wives, was also present. Dewi
\nwas seated next to First Lady Sinta Nuriyah.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the afternoon, two separate ceremonies were held at
\nSukarno's ancestral home, at Rumah Gebang, and at his grave on
\nJl. Slamet Riyadi.<\/p>\n
Blitar Regent Imam Muhadi could not hide his pride in hosting
\nthe event attended by thousands of people.<\/p>\n
The regent of the usually quiet town cheerfully noted that
\nSukarno not only fought for \"ordinary people\" while he was alive,
\nbut even in his death his name was bringing rewards to people,
\nreferring to the many vendors and souvenir sellers who were
\nbenefiting from the sudden tourist boom.<\/p>\n
\"The centenary celebration of Bung Karno is very meaningful
\nfor the improvement of our people's economy, especially the small
\ntraders,\" Imam said. (leo\/prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/i-take-after-sukarno-claims-abdurrahman-1447893297",
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