Sukarno's death anniversary

SURABAYA: The 26th anniversary of the death of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, will be marked with a modest ceremony at his mausoleum in Blitar, about 170 kilometers south of here on June 20, his relatives said.

A spokesman for his relatives, Djoko, told Antara yesterday that although the ceremony will be modest, he is expecting thousands of visitors, as has been the case in the past.

He said a great number would be from Bali, the birthplace of Sukarno's mother.

"The Balinese have promised to perform sacred dances to honor Bung Karno," he said as quoted by Antara.

Sukarno's offspring who have confirmed their attendance are Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, Sukmawati and Guruh Soekarnoputra, Djoko added.

Rachmawati, who heads the Sukarno Education Foundation, is scheduled to address the gathering as usual. (pan)