East Java to honor Sukarno

JAKARTA (JP): East Java authorities have taken charge of all the arrangements for the commemoration of the death of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno.

The ceremony will be held in the city of Blitar where Sukarno is buried. Every year on June 20, thousands of people travel to Blitar to pay homage to the late president.

In the past, the family of Sukarno have headed the commemoration. But beginning this year, which is the 25th anniversary of Sukarno's death, the East Java authorities will be in charge of the ceremony, Antara reported yesterday.

Head of the province's Socio-Political Office, Suryadi Setiawan, told reporters in Surabaya on Thursday that Bung Karno (brother Sukarno) belonged not only to his family but also to the entire nation.

"Bung Karno is the hero of the Indonesian people. It's normal for his death to be marked in a big way each year," Suryadi said.

The East Java Provincial Government will coordinate all the activities and will work together with the family of Sukarno, he said, adding that Governor Basofi Sudirman had already ordered the Blitar regent and mayor to make all the necessary arrangements.

Suryadi said the event is open to all. (emb)