Makam Bung Karno

We all already know that Soekarno, Indonesia proclamation reader also the first president of Indonesia who has been buried at Blitar, East Java. Fortunately, Blitar is my hometown, so in this post I want to tell you about President Soekarno's Tomb as one of the tourist attractions in Blitar.

pic. source: Google Maps

It is located at 60 Slamet Riyadi Street, Bendogerit village, Sanan Wetan District, about 2 kilometers from downtown, and 3.1 kilometers from Blitar Railway Station. It takes 11 minutes from Blitar Railway Station by car or motorcycle.

Bung Karno's grave

The main building of this site is Bung Karno's grave that covered by traditional Javanese house, called "Joglo". There is a stone above the grave, and written "Disini dimakamkan BUNG KARNO PROKLAMATOR dan PRESIDEN PERTAMA REPUBLIK INDONESIA Lahir   : 6 JUNI 1901 Wafat   : 21 JUNI 1970 PENYAMBUNG LIDAH RAKYAT".

There are also the complement building, such as  library and Museum of Bung Karno. This library is the most complete book collection in East Java. It has lift, restroom, reading room, bookshelves, and many others. It has complete collection especially for historical books.

Beside the library, there is a museum of Bung Karno. The museum has many photos and painting of Bung Karno since he was young, become president, until his death. The most unforgettable collection of this museum is a painting of Bung Karno and it shows the hearthbeat of Bung Karno. There is Indonesia authentic flag that sewn by Fatmawati for Indonesia proclamation in 17 August 1945. 

Behind museum there is a amphitheater to held a memorial of Bung Karno called "khol" (the day of the death". It usually used by local to held a traditional dancing shows or theatrical shows. This amphitheater was build for symbol of Soekarno's special interest for art.

Beside the amphitheater, there is a Peace Gong. It was given to Blitar's major, Djarot Syaiful Hidayat. It is a symbol that Bung Karno has power to make a peace of the world during world war II. 

Outside the site, there is a market. A lot of local people sell merchandise, traditional dish, and flower. The entrance tickets are free. You only need to pay the parking tickets, about Rp1000 for motorcycle, Rp3000 for car, and Rp10.000 for bus.