Guruh brings to life memories of Sukarno
Guruh brings to life memories of Sukarno
Murdani Usman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Sukarno, the country's first president, was strongly linked to
the Balinese people.
The memory of Sukarno was brought to life before an
enthusiastic Balinese audience last Saturday during Guruh
Soekarnoputra's show to commemorate the centennial of his
father's birth.
Touches of red and white, after the country's flag, and
glittering gold from the traditional Bali style costumes
brightened the stage at Nusa Indah hall in the Bali International
Convention Center in Nusa Dua.
Titled Bakti dan Persembahanku (My Devotion and Tribute),
Guruh brought in his popular Kinarya GSP dancers to perform
alongside popular singers.
The show was opened by a traditional Bedoyo Warsa Wijaya
dance, while on each side of the stage, two large screens showed
supporting footage of Sukarno, from his legendary speeches until
his last days.
The night's performers included pop trio AB Three who belted
out Guruh's old song Cinta Indonesia (Loving Indonesia) and then
followed by soprano Binu D. Sukaman who performed Perikemanusiaan
(Humanity).
Pop singer Chrisye and child star Sherina grabbed most
attention. Chrisye performed Chopin Larung (Chopin's Offerings)
and Indonesia Perkasa (Powerful Indonesia), while Sherina staged
Simfoni Raya Indonesia (Great Indonesia Symphony). One of AB
Tree's members, Cynthia Lamusu even belted out Gadis Tionghoa
(Chinese Girl) for the audience.
Chrisye attracted people with his Chopin Larung, the lyrics of
which were in Balinese and told about everyday life on the
island.
After the show, Guruh expressed satisfaction with the show,
although he said it was still below his expectations. In previous
shows, the show was accompanied by a live orchestra, while in
Bali, it was not possible due to limited time and facilities.
Tickets were sold at between Rp 50,000 and Rp 300,000. Money
raised from the show will be used to build the Sukarno Center in
Jakarta. The next show is scheduled to be in Batam, Riau.