Honoring Sukarno's memory a 'family matter'

By Sirikit Syah

BLITAR, East Java (JP): Thousands are expected to attend ceremonies, or haul, marking the death of Indonesia's first president Sukarno, today at his final resting place here, in Blitar, East Java, 170 kilometers south of Surabaya.

The ceremony has evolved from a simple gathering in 1982 into an almost landmark event which attracts not only the relatives of the late president, but also admirers, friends and supporters. Many are probably too young to remember when the nation's founding father was in power.

This year's gathering is expected to be one of the biggest, as the change in the political atmosphere has liberated organizers from "impediments" previously encountered when organizing such an event.

"We have never felt this free before," said Sutjipto, chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) camp loyal to Megawati Soekarnoputri and one of the chief organizers of the gathering.

"People are working together smoothly. Contacts and coordination with security people have been intensive," explained Sutjipto.

Organizers also said that compared to last year, when the commemoration occurred during the election campaign, there have been few difficulties in dealing with the authorities.

Permits, for instance, were issued almost instantly. Even the government people have been very helpful, another organizer said.

L. Soepomo, a member of the Soekarno Education Foundation, said he was impressed by the local government's support.

"Perhaps they realize that this event could become a tourist attraction and generate income for the local people and government," he said.

Born in Blitar on June 6, 1901, Sukarno, affectionately known as Bung Karno, rose to become Indonesia's first president from 1945 to 1966.

He died in Jakarta on June 21, 1970, and was buried in Blitar near his mother's grave.

Despite being forced to retire from politics under difficult circumstances in 1966, Sukarno's name remains well regarded.

His image and name became a resurgent force particularly after his eldest daughter, Megawati Soekarnoputri, became PDI chief in 1993.

It is not surprising that the ceremonies have been perceived as having strong political undertones rather than merely being a social event.

Packed

For the past several days people have been arriving in droves in Blitar which is a four-hour drive from Surabaya.

Lodgings are at a premium in this usually quiet town of more than one million.

But the large contingent of visitors has also caused some anxiety, particularly in the wake of mass rioting which hit major cities last month.

"Hopefully it won't happen. But based on the experience of recent days, there is always someone who might want to create unnecessary chaos," said Sutjipto.

Security posts have been set up at several locations and locals have also provided makeshift health centers at several houses.

On Jl. Sultan Agung where the aged Ibu Wardoyo, Sukarno's sister resides, a stage has been set up with a giant national flag and Sukarno's picture as the backdrop.

Seizing the opportunity, locals have set up small kiosks along the street and in the surrounding area.

Many have described this year's gathering as a cultural pilgrimage, ziarah budaya.

Since Thursday many cultural events, art exhibitions, theatrical performances and Javanese poetry readings have been held, mostly at the Bung Karno Art Hall.

However the main events begin today.

The day will start with Koranic readings and prayers which will go on into the night.

In the evening Megawati is due to address the crowd as a representative of the Soekarno's family, while Rachmawati, another of Sukarno's daughter, will also speak as the chairman of the organizing committee, the Soekarno Education Foundation.

All nine of the late president's children, except Guruh Soekarnoputra, are due to attend.

"Friends of Bung Karno, Roeslan Abdul Gani has confirmed his attendance and will give a speech too," explained committee member R. Ton.

The evening will end with a religious lecture by a local preacher from the East Java chapter of Nahdlatul Ulema.

Tomorrow, there will be a mass procession to Sukarno's grave located on the outskirts of the town.

While the significance of the events may be a celebration of Sukarno's endearing contribution to the nation, most eyes will be watching the pro-Megawati PDI supporters attending.

From Surabaya alone, eight buses and about a hundred private cars carrying PDI cadres will descend on the town.

"Everybody is paying for him or herself," said Ton. "We are just supporting this gathering because Ibu Megawati is our leader," he explained.

Sutjipto also was quick to dispel suggestions that the gathering would be used for political purposes by the pro- Megawati PDI camp.

"No way, Ibu Megawati would be very angry. We won't do such a thing. She doesn't like to mix family matters with politics. It's her principle and it's clear to us," said Sutjipto.