I take after Sukarno, claims Abdurrahman

I take after Sukarno, claims Abdurrahman

BLITAR, East Java (JP): While lauding the nation's founding
father, President Abdurrahman Wahid used his address at a
ceremony commemorating the 31st anniversary of first president
Sukarno's death, to promote his own polices, which he said were
strongly influenced by Sukarno's teachings.

The President claimed that, since childhood, he had carefully
studied Sukarno's teachings through his father Wahid Hasyim, the
country's first religious affairs minister, and his grandfather,
Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) founder Hasyim Ashari.

"Although I am not able to see, it has been my destiny to lead
this country," Abdurrahman said.

The President, however, was clearly irritated when people
shouted the name of Sukarno's eldest daughter, Vice President
Megawati Soekarnoputri, who also attended the event in Blitar
Square.

"Mega is our president," some yelled.

"If you continue yelling, it means you humiliate the name of
the Vice President. Let us honor the Vice President by behaving
during this meeting," Abdurrahman said.

"Long live Mega," the crowed shouted again.

Abdurrahman left the venue soon after his speech, saying he
had another important engagement in Jakarta.

The ceremony on Wednesday night was the climax in a series of
celebrations commemorating Sukarno, which have also marked the
centenary of his birth.

Born on June 6, 1901, Sukarno led the country's struggle for
independence in 1945. He then ruled the country until being
removed from power in 1966.

His successor, Soeharto, placed him under house arrest until
his death on June 21, 1970.

Although wishing to be buried in Bogor, Soeharto ordered that
he be buried in Blitar, where his parents were also buried.

During Soeharto's rule, Sukarno's name was very much relegated
as a historical footnote.

"This is the first time a celebration for Sukarno has been
attended by both a president and vice president," said Rachmawati
Soekarnoputri, who addressed the gathering on behalf of the
Sukarno family.

Rachmawati talked at length about her father's suffering
during the final years of his life.

Megawati did not make a speech during the event.

Touching on the treatment of her father during the New Order
era, Rachmawati said that she had been told "a member of a very
important family from Jakarta came to Blitar (recently) to
deliver their family's apology to Sukarno".

The presence of both Abdurrahman and Megawati offered one of
the increasingly rare occasions that both leaders have attended
the same event.

The two have been increasingly distant since political
antagonism has heated up in the leadup to a special session of
the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) slated for Aug. 1. The
session could lead to Abdurrahman's impeachment.

Abdurrahman and Megawati arrived in Blitar separately on
Wednesday evening, with Megawati expected to stay in East Java
until Thursday.

Initially, there were fears that the political impasse among
the nation's leaders would seep through to the grassroots level
and jeopardize the ceremony, however, there was no disruption to
proceedings.

Sukarno's children, including Sukmawati Soekarnoputri and
Guruh Soekarnoputra sat in front row seats.

Dewi Soekarno, one of Sukarno's wives, was also present. Dewi
was seated next to First Lady Sinta Nuriyah.

Earlier in the afternoon, two separate ceremonies were held at
Sukarno's ancestral home, at Rumah Gebang, and at his grave on
Jl. Slamet Riyadi.

Blitar Regent Imam Muhadi could not hide his pride in hosting
the event attended by thousands of people.

The regent of the usually quiet town cheerfully noted that
Sukarno not only fought for "ordinary people" while he was alive,
but even in his death his name was bringing rewards to people,
referring to the many vendors and souvenir sellers who were
benefiting from the sudden tourist boom.

"The centenary celebration of Bung Karno is very meaningful
for the improvement of our people's economy, especially the small
traders," Imam said. (leo/prb)