Sukarno's remains likely to stay put

JAKARTA (JP): The government hinted yesterday that it would not allow the remains of first president Sukarno to be moved from a grave in Blitar, East Java, to one in Bogor, West Java.

Responding to reporters' questions about the Sukarno family's wish to relocate the grave, State Secretary/Minister Moerdiono said that there had been thorough deliberation about the grave site before Sukarno was 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 reached, President Soeharto as the head of government had consulted many people. I remember this well.

"The consultation was between our leaders and representatives of the family," he said. "The government does not see any reason to change (this decision).

"That's my explanation. I am not saying it (the wish) is not permissible," he said after yesterday's limited ministerial meeting under Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman.

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

Moerdiono said he did not know why the Sukarno family wanted to relocate the grave. "I first heard (of the plan) from reporters," he said.

Soesilo said the government had not received a request from the Sukarno family to relocate the grave. "How can permission be granted if no request has been made?" he said.

"Besides, if one loves one's state and country, one should no longer make an issue out of this," he said. "Let him rest in peace."

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." (swe/aan)