T

he bronze statue of a smiling 10-year-old Barack Hussein Obama, now US president, currently located in Menteng Park, Central Jakarta, will be moved to his former elementary school SDN Besuki 1 Menteng

"I approve the sentiments of a number of parties who suggest to relocation of the Barry Dream Statue to SDN Besuki 1 in Menteng. I think that *the school* is the most appropriate location," Governor Fauzi Bowo said on Friday.

He said the relocation would be made before the 44th US President visited the city in March.

"We will prepare it soon. So, when he visits the school, the statue will be memorable for him," he said, adding that his decision was official.

Ron Mullers, chairman of the Jakarta-based Friends of Obama Foundation, which initiated and raised money to commission the statue, said he had heard of the plan to move the statue to Obama's former elementary school.

"It's not a problem for us. The statue will inspire the school children," he told The Jakarta Post over the phone.

He said the statue did not aim to honor Obama, but to inspire the children of Indonesia to reach for their dreams.

The Rp 100 million (US$10,666)statue was built by graphic artist Leo Angelo and sculptor Edi Chaniago.

The statue, depicting a young Obama in a shirt and shorts, with a butterfly perched on his outstretched hand, sparked controversy among city residents just a few days after it was unveiled in Menteng Park in December 2009.

More than 55,000 Facebook users have joined the group, "Take down the Barack Obama statue from Menteng Park", founded two days after the statue was erected.

Heru Nugroho, the group's creator, filed a civil lawsuit against the city, demanding the administration dismantle the statue from Menteng Park for "insulting national pride".

Heru said he supported Fauzi's decision, but needed proof that would make sure that it would be carried through.

"We will cancel the class action after there is a written statement, not just a spoken statement. Prove it with an official letter that order the relocation," he said in a statement sent to the Post.

The Central Jakarta district court scheduled to hold the first hearing of the civil lawsuit in Feb. 11.

City Secretary Muhayat said there was no need for the governor to send a formal letter as he had informed Central Jakarta Mayor Sylviana Murni of the statue's relocation.

Head of the city's Education Agency Taufik Yudi said the elementary school was ready to have the statue on their grounds.

The statue and pedestal stands 2 meters tall. One of its sides is adorned with an adapted quote by former US first lady Eleanor Roosevelt: "The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams."