Bengkulu's airport awaits new name

BENGKULU: The name of Indonesia's initial first lady, Fatmawati Soekarno, looks set to be the new name for Padang Kemiling Airport in Bengkulu.

Governor Adjis Ahmad was quoted by Antara as saying that based on the reaction from the local community, many favor Fatmawati as the new name for the airport.

Fatmawati was wife of Indonesia's first president Sukarno. She also sewed the red-and-white flag which was flown during the proclamation of independence in Jakarta on Aug. 17, 1945.

But any hopes that the airport will soon be renamed may be dashed as the provincial legislature decided yesterday to suspend the process of renaming the airport pending a decision from the central government.

To date, the names pushed forward for selection are: Fatmawati Soekarno, Prof. Dr. Hazairin SH and Ir. Indra Tjahya. All were Bengkulu-born figures whose contributions to the nation are noted in history books.

However, provincial House speaker Achmad Rofei expressed hope that a decision could be reached soon, enabling preparations to be made for the airport to be officially renamed during the province's 30th anniversary celebration on Nov. 18.