Sukarno's remains likely to stay put

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)