Today's History, June 21, 1979: Bung Karno's Grave Inaugurated After A Year Of Restoration

Bung Karno's grave complex in Blitar, East Java. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA History today, 44 years ago, June 21, 1979, President Soeharto inaugurated Bung Karno's recently restored grave. The inauguration was carried out in place with the date Bung Karno died. The restoration was carried out so that Bung Karno's grave could accommodate many pilgrims.

Previously, Bung Karno's death was often associated with Suharto's attitude and the New Order which made him under house arrest. This narrative made Bung Karno's illness - the main obstacle - even worse.

Bung Karno's resignation from the presidency was full of dynamics. Instead of Bung Karno being able to enjoy his old age calmly, he was actually placed under house arrest by Suharto and the New Order. The owner of the power considers that Soekarno's influence is still quite large.

His followers still hope that Bung Karno will return to leadership. Suharto also slowly reduced Bung Karno's role from the historical map. Instead, the narrative of Suharto and the New Order as Indonesian saviors from the economic recession has emerged everywhere.

Bung Karno's life as a house prisoner was over. He was treated not like a former leader of the nation. He received unpleasant treatment. He was limited in contact with the outside world, including with his children. Moreover, Bung Karno's illness has not been handled properly.

This condition worsened when Bung Karno was rushed to Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Central Jakarta in mid-June 1970. His condition was critical. Bung Karno then breathed his last on June 21, 1970. Then, Bung Karno was not buried according to his will in Bogor. The New Order then chose Bung Karno's funeral to be held in Blitar, East Java.

Bung Karno was laid at Wisma Yasoo after he died at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital. There he was also released by President Suharto and Mrs. Tien Soeharto. The situation at that time was not very conducive for Soekarno and his family. A few days earlier, namely June 1, 1970, Pangkopkamtib issued a ban on the commemoration of the birthday of Pancasila every June 1.

Soekarno is being investigated on charges of being involved in a coup attempt to overthrow himself. The examination was stopped after Bung Karno became worse. On June 22, 1970, the body of the proclaimer was flown from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, to Malang. In Malang, the deceased was picked up in an old hearse belonging to the Army. This was observed by Rachmawati Sukarnoputr

Bung Karno's departure also brought deep sorrow. Suharto and New Order, especially. The owner of power began to put his ego aside after several years of Bung Karno's death. Suharto was moved to perpetuate the restoration of Bung Karno's grave. He acknowledged that Bung Karno's services were great for the Indonesian people.

The laying of the first stone for restoration was carried out on June 21, 1978. The restoration was completed one year later. President Suharto also took action to inaugurate Bung Karno's grave which was just restored. Suharto also hopes that more pilgrims will come to Bung Karno's grave in Blitar. That wish was answered. Every day Bung Karno's grave was never empty of pilgrims. In fact, the tomb became one of Blitar's important tourist destinations.

"Thus it became clear, why I was appointed by President Suharto to restore Bung Karno's grave. The laying of the first stone for the construction of the tomb area was carried out on June 21, 1978, right after the death of Bung Karno who died on June 21, 1970 at the age of 69 years."

"After we finished, the inauguration was carried out by President Soeharto exactly one year later, on the 9th anniversary of Bung Karno's death, on Thursday, June 21, 1979 at 11.00, attended by the leaders of the MPR, DPR, ministers and General TNI (Ret.) Maraden Panggabean as Coordinating Minister for the Development Cabinet III. On that day, one million people were present at Blitar, "explained Siswono Yudo Husodo in the bookNegeri Thousands of Rainbows (2022).