Dewi Soekarno Attends Independence Day Ceremony, Surprised by Many Changes at the Palace
The wife of Indonesia’s first president Soekarno, Kartika Sari Dewi Soekarno, attended the series of events marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (17/8).
Dewi Soekarno arrived at around 07.10 WIB and took part in the proceedings at the palace.
Dewi Soekarno was seen wearing a white kebaya with lace motifs, paired with a reddish-brown batik cloth. She also wore a brooch on her chest and earrings.
Dewi Soekarno shared her impressions of the changes to the palace grounds compared with the period when she was still part of that environment.
She admitted to being surprised by the changes to the buildings in the palace complex. According to her, there are several buildings that did not exist before.
“I was very surprised that the palace has changed a great deal; there are buildings that were not there before. Previously, between the State Palace and Merdeka Palace there was a large courtyard, and now there is a building,” said Dewi.
Dewi Soekarno also expressed her hope that Indonesia would continue to move forward.
“[Indonesia] always progresses,” she said briefly.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that Dewi Soekarno’s presence was not entirely new.
According to him, the families of former presidents and vice presidents are indeed invited to the independence commemoration events, although their attendance each year depends on their respective schedules.
“Indeed, every year we actually invite almost all the families of former presidents and vice presidents, but it is not always every year that they are able to make their schedules fit,” said Prasetyo.
Prasetyo said that Dewi Soekarno’s attendance this year came about because her visit to Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, happened to coincide with the event.
“This year, Mrs Dewi Soekarno happened to be visiting Indonesia and she was visiting Jakarta, so because the timing worked out, she was able to attend,” he said.