Solo honors its top daughter

SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Thousands of residents from Surakarta (Solo) and surrounding areas gathered at Adisumarmo airport and lined up along the city streets yesterday to catch a glimpse of the procession carrying Mrs. Tien Soeharto's coffin.

The military transport Hercules C-130 plane carrying Ibu Tien, as she was popularly known, landed at 4 p.m.

The airport had been closed off to all commercial air traffic since noon.

As the plane came to a standstill, President Soeharto disembarked from the plane and stood watching the coffin, wrapped in a red and white flag, being carried by a procession from the Army's Special Forces into a waiting hearse.

Soeharto looked on, holding the hand of a crying grandchild.

In the background people could be heard chanting prayers and Islamic prayers.

Outside, thousands of people lined up the 16 kilometer stretch between the airport and Dalem Kalitan, her family's residence in the village of Kalitan.

At Dalem Kalitan, Ibu Tien's coffin was placed in the main room and guarded by four Special Forces soldiers.

The flood of people at Dalem Kalitan were then given an opportunity to pay their last respects. The line snaked all the way to the front gate of Dalem Kalitan.

The atmosphere was hectic yet somber as people continued to file into the area and flower bouquets piled up outside. The presence of a presidential entourage and cabinet ministers also meant tight security on every corner of Kalitan village.

According to businessman Soekamdani S. Gitosardjono, who is a distant relative of Ibu Tien's, the ceremony will take place this afternoon at the Astana Giri Bangun cemetery, about 10 kilometers outside of Surakarta.

Officials said that members of the public will be allowed to into the residence this morning to pay their last respects before the funeral, which is scheduled for after 1.30 p.m.

The Astana Giri Bangun family cemetery is a three-tier construction built in 1990. "Its construction was cheap. At the time it only cost about Rp 450 million (US$195,650)," said Soekamdani who was asked by the president to prepare the burial ceremony.

The lowest tier of the cemetery is called the Astana Argotuwuh, the second is the Astana Argokembang and the highest peak is the Astana Argosari. Ibu Tien will be buried in the Astana Argosari where only the closest family are laid to rest.

At present Ibu Tien's parents and older sister, Hartinah Odang, are buried there.

Only immediate family members will be allowed up to the highest peak of the Astana Giri Bangun this morning.

Apart from the traditional ceremony, Ibu Tien -- as a recipient of the Mahaputra star -- will also be given a full military burial. (17/mds)