Sukarno admirers disappointed by Megawati's absence in Blitar<\/p>\n
BLITAR, East Java (JP): Attendants of an annual commemoration
\nof late first president Sukarno were disappointed to find that
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic
\nParty of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), failed to show.<\/p>\n
The explanation offered was only that Megawati could not come.<\/p>\n
She sent, however, a written speech which was read by her
\nsister, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, who also chaired the organizing
\ncommittee.<\/p>\n
Thousands of people who had flocked here from other towns
\nincluding parts outside Java, thronged the grounds and the
\nsurroundings of the family home, staying up all night to recite
\nthe Koran. The reciting was a main part of the commemoration.<\/p>\n
The gathering also became a celebration of an anticipated
\nvictory of PDI Perjuangan who came in their red attributes
\nalthough Megawati appealed that people consider the event
\n\"spiritual\" rather than political.<\/p>\n
Her party is leading in the provisional results.<\/p>\n
\"Tonight, I see from afar that a smile appears on the face of
\nBung Karno, from his quiet place thronged by those who love him,\"
\nMegawati's address read.<\/p>\n
\"He is touched and proud that the nation's children know what
\nto do to return the spirit ... toward a Free Indonesia,\" the
\naddress continued.<\/p>\n
\"We should always live in the spirit of the fire of Islam,
\nwhich Bung Karno did, which essentially gave enlightment ... to
\nfollowers of all religions,\" the address read.<\/p>\n
Sukarno, referred to by many as Bung (brother) Karno, was
\nknown as a fiery orator and writer who attempted to come up with
\na distinctive Indonesian ideology.<\/p>\n
Megawati's party is now under criticism by Muslim leaders for
\nhaving many non-Muslim legislative candidates besides a female
\npresidential candidate.<\/p>\n
A religious leader from the influential Nahdlatul Ulama
\norganization also said people should express gratitude that the
\nelections had been conducted safely despite shortcomings.<\/p>\n
\"We must accept whatever the elections' results are, including
\nwho becomes president,\" Hasyim Muzadi said.<\/p>\n
Those who came said apart from listening to Megawati's
\naddress, they sought blessings from Sukarno's cemetery in the
\nhope of gaining better luck at their jobs or private enterprise.<\/p>\n
\"I hope to move house and hopefully also have a better
\nfortune,\" Gunardi, a resident of Yogyakarta said.(nur\/anr)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sukarno-admirers-disappointed-by-megawatis-absence-in-blitar-1447893297",
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