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)