Sukarno admirers disappointed by Megawati's absence in Blitar

BLITAR, East Java (JP): Attendants of an annual commemoration of late first president Sukarno were disappointed to find that Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), failed to show.

The explanation offered was only that Megawati could not come.

She sent, however, a written speech which was read by her sister, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, who also chaired the organizing committee.

Thousands of people who had flocked here from other towns including parts outside Java, thronged the grounds and the surroundings of the family home, staying up all night to recite the Koran. The reciting was a main part of the commemoration.

The gathering also became a celebration of an anticipated victory of PDI Perjuangan who came in their red attributes although Megawati appealed that people consider the event "spiritual" rather than political.

Her party is leading in the provisional results.

"Tonight, I see from afar that a smile appears on the face of Bung Karno, from his quiet place thronged by those who love him," Megawati's address read.

"He is touched and proud that the nation's children know what to do to return the spirit ... toward a Free Indonesia," the address continued.

"We should always live in the spirit of the fire of Islam, which Bung Karno did, which essentially gave enlightment ... to followers of all religions," the address read.

Sukarno, referred to by many as Bung (brother) Karno, was known as a fiery orator and writer who attempted to come up with a distinctive Indonesian ideology.

Megawati's party is now under criticism by Muslim leaders for having many non-Muslim legislative candidates besides a female presidential candidate.

A religious leader from the influential Nahdlatul Ulama organization also said people should express gratitude that the elections had been conducted safely despite shortcomings.

"We must accept whatever the elections' results are, including who becomes president," Hasyim Muzadi said.

Those who came said apart from listening to Megawati's address, they sought blessings from Sukarno's cemetery in the hope of gaining better luck at their jobs or private enterprise.

"I hope to move house and hopefully also have a better fortune," Gunardi, a resident of Yogyakarta said.(nur/anr)