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)