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.