Grave moving draws mixed views

Grave moving draws mixed views

BOGOR (JP): A plan to shift the grave of first president
Sukarno from Blitar, East Java to Batutulis Palace in Bogor has
drawn mixed feelings from locals living around the historical
mansion.

Many residents here are scared that they will be evicted once
the plan is carried out, while others praised the idea.

"We must be proud if Bung Karno's grave is moved here, because
the town will become more famous," Andi, a local who lives near
the palace, said.

Another local, Enda Suryana, however, rejected the plan.

"I'm worried... I don't want to be evicted."

Councilor Gatut Susanta of the Golkar faction here said he
agreed with the plan.

"But let's not make a big fuss out of it. It's merely an
idea," Gatut said. "We have to think further about city planning,
the impact on traffic and other problems."

It is reported that the plan was introduced shortly after the
palace visit of Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is
Sukarno's eldest daughter, last Sunday.

The Batutulis Palace, also known as Istana Bogor, is
Megawati's childhood home. "We're not sure about the plan,"
Raflimukti, a councilor of PDI Perjuangan, said.

"Bung Karno only stated his wish was to be buried in Bogor
under a huge, shady tree with fresh water flowing near it. The
site does not necessarily need to be a palace, does it? "
Raflimukti said. (21/edt)