Sukmawati Sheds Tears During Conversion Ceremony

jpnn.com, BALI - The daughter of former Indonesian president Soekarno, Sukmawati Soekarnoputri, could not hold back her tears during her conversion ceremony to Hinduism at the Soekarno Center Heritage area in Bale Agung, Singaraja, Buleleng, Bali, Tuesday (26/10).

This 70-year-old politician was touched as the sacred ritual was witnessed by her closest people. Her family was present, including members related to Ida Ayu Nyoman Rai Srimben, her grandmother, who was also a Hinduism follower. The Parisada Hindu Darma Indonesia (PHDI) community in Buleleng was also present.

"When she read the promise, she cried but continued reading it. She also cried when she read the oath before the witnesses," said Jro Mangku Tatar Pasek Bale Agung, Gde Made Swardana, a witness from the Bale Agung family.

Sukmawati also shed tear when she put a daksina (symbolic respect to the ancestors) on her head.

Although it was closed to the public, the conversion ceremony went smoothly.

Sukmawati has gone through various stages to become a follower of Hinduism.

Sukmawati will undergo a metatah (tooth-cutting ceremony), the core ceremony of Sudhi Wadani. Sukmawati will sign the document of conversion.

She will also perform prayers at the Pura Merajan Dadia Pasek Bale Agung and the Buleleng Traditional Village Temple. (bhi/mcr20/jpnn)