Sukarno library, website to cost Rp 11.5b

SURABAYA: The Blitar regency administration in East Java will cooperate with the National Library to build a library and launch a website in memory of the country's founding president, Sukarno.

The project is estimated to cost more than Rp 11.5 billion to be taken from the state budget and Blitar's budget, as well as funds contributed by donors from various parties.

The website will be launched next month to coincide with the ceremony to mark the laying of the foundation of the planned library.

Blitar Mayor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said on Monday the important features of the website will include the autobiography and thoughts of Sukarno, the father of President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The project was initiated as the nation's founder had always promoted nationalism and humanism, which are relevant in today's crisis-plagued country to actualize these noble values, he said.

The library will be built on 4,000-square meters of land in Bendogerit, Blitar, which was Sukarno's homeland.

Experts of different backgrounds from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) will be involved in designing the library. --JP