Sun, 16 Apr 2000

Guess What? Guruh Sukarno Putra

Guruh Sukarno Putra is only 43. But don't ask him too many questions because the son of the founding father of Indonesia, Sukarno, cannot remember that many things about his life.

In a meeting with the media on Wednesday, he responded to most questions by saying "Sorry, I forgot" and "Sorry, I'll find it out later."

His remarks even shocked executives of the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, which hosted the meeting in preparation for its silver jubilee fiesta.

In response to a question, Guruh, whose complete name is Muhamad Guruh Irianto Sukarno Putra, slowly said: "As far as I can remember, I never performed here (at Taman Mini) unless once in ... 1982."

Widarso, marketing manager of the recreation park, hastily added: "Mas Guruh might be inaccurate because he and his dancers have performed here many times. In the early years, we could not accommodate his group because we had a lack of facilities. Now we hope Mas Guruh will be willing to perform here again and again."

Widarso then insisted the management's decision to invite Guruh and his dancers to be the central focus of events for the park's anniversary this year had nothing to do with the status of Guruh's sister, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The 25-year-old park was built under the initiative and guidance of late former first lady Ibu Tien Soeharto.

Guruh and his 30 dancers, along with singers Chrisye, Aning Katamsi and a West Java traditional singer, will perform in a one-hour evening show on April 20. He will also display eight of his paintings, including one of his father, mother Fatmawati, Megawati and brother Guntur posing in a park in Yogyakarta, in an exhibition to be held during the week-long Taman Mini anniversary starting which starts today.

"Sorry, I still have no idea which of my paintings will be sold in the exhibition," said Guruh, who is still looking for sponsors for the publication of his book entitled The Art of Guruh which details all of his paintings. (bsr)