SBY has Supersemar Document Traced Back

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked the Indonesian National Archive (ANRI) to help the government trace back and look for the still missing authentic document of the "Supersemar" (order of March 11, 1966, under which Soekarno handed over his powers as president to Soeharto).

"The President asked for the collection of information and data for follow up measures. It was reported that some staff members of the State Secretariat have some information, and the Head of State also asked Hatta (Minister/State Secretary Hatta Rajasa) and Sudi (Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi) to make follow up measures," Presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng, along with head of the National Archive office Djoko Utomo, told a press conference at the Presidential Office on Friday.

Earlier, Djoko met the President to discuss many things with regard to the national archive. Andi said the President at the meeting also asked ANRI to help find the authentic document of Supersemar by asking all the officials of the former governments who may have an idea on the whereabouts of the invaluable historial document.

Djoko hoped the Supersemar document would be returned to the state like the Proclamation text which had been hand written but without the then President Soekarno’s signature, and it was not until 1992 that it was returned to the state. The proclamation text was typed written by Sayuti Malik, and returned to the state in 1960.

Besides Supersemar, the President, Andi added, also hoped ANRI would make a document of all the important documents on the life of the state and national like the general elections, DPR (House of Representatives)and MPR (People’s Consultative Council) decisions, and verdicts and rulings of the Constitutional Court.

Djoko also said ANRI will also try to seek and collect famous regional songs like "Rasa Sayange" which was also recognized by many other countries, for documentation.

The President planned to dedicate a biorama building of the history of the Indonesian nation at Jalan Ampera Raya 7, Jakarta, next monday.