Rational debate urged on Sukarno's grave

SEMARANG (JP): The controversial plan to move the remains of late president Sukarno should be settled in discussions between his relatives and the government, according to political observer Satjipto Rahardjo.

Sukarno's offspring want to move his remains from a mausoleum in Blitar, East Java, to Bogor, West Java, in accordance with his wish to be buried there.

"It's useless to fight. It would be better to talk it over amicably and wisely because Sukarno belongs not only to his family but the whole nation," Satjipto said over the weekend.

"If the problem is settled amicably, it won't disturb Bung Karno's spirit," said the legal expert from Semarang's Diponegoro University.

Sukmawati Soekarnopuitri, one of Sukarno's children, announced the plan in mid-June to move his remains.

The Sukarno family had sounded out the idea of relocating the grave by saying it was the late president's wish. Family members have said they are waiting for government approval before moving the remains.

State Secretary/Minister Moerdiono hinted last week that the government would knock back the plan, saying that there had been thorough deliberation about the grave site before Sukarno had been buried in East Java on June 21, 1970.

"He was buried in a state ceremony," he said. "Before the decision (to bury him there) was made, President Soeharto as the head of government had consulted many people. I remember this well."

Nine years after Sukarno's body was buried in a simple grave in Bendogerit village, Blitar, a tomb was built over it. President Soeharto officiated the tomb which is 18 meters high, 11 meters wide and 11 meters long.

The tomb houses Sukarno's grave which is flanked by those of his parents, R. Soekemi Sosrodihardjo and Ida Ayu Nyoman Rai.

Sukarno's headstone is engraved with the words: "Here lies Bung Karno, the Proclaimer of Independence and First President of the Republic of Indonesia. Born June 6, 1901. Died June 21, 1970."

Satjipto's colleague, Muladi, also a law professor, said it was a bad idea to move Sukarno's remains.

He said there were no grounds whatsoever for Sukarno's burial wish.

"Why make an issue of a dead figure? What's the motive behind it? If his burial in Blitar was decided by consensus of various parties, what's the point of relocating the remains?" he said.

"I think Blitar is internationally known. It's a perfect place for Bung Karno to be laid to rest. There's no need to move his remains to Bogor," Muladi said.

Muladi said it was unethical and unwise to remove Sukarno's remains because it could create the impression that Sukarno belonged to his family instead of the whole nation.

State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung said over the weekend that discussion of the plan should end. (39/har/aan)