City street may be renamed in memory of Gus Dur

JAKARTA: The Indonesia Consultation Bureau asked Governor Fauzi Bowo to change the name of Jl. Kramat Raya in Central Jakarta to Jl. K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, after the late fourth president.

In its proposal to Governor Fauzi Bowo, the bureau said Abdurrahman, widely known as "Gus Dur", was fitting to be remembered in a street name, because of his leading role in upholding pluralism, democracy and equality.

Signed by Eddy Sadeli, the statement said the bureau regarded Jl. Kramat Raya as the best location because of its proximity to the Nahdlatul Ulama headquarters (PBNU), where Gus Dur spent most of his time.

However, Governor Fauzi said to change a street name was not that easy.

"A street's name is part of a city's heritage.

"We will try to find an appropriate *location* and seek for input from the public," he said. - JP