The daughter of Indonesia’s founding father Sukarno this week converted to Hinduism following a religious procession in Bali, and is set to be fully recognized as a member of traditional Balinese society.
The religious conversion to Hinduism, known locally as Sudi Wadani, was held yesterday in Singaraja, Buleleng. Sukmawati Sukarnoputri embracing Hinduism and giving up Islam in the world’s most populous Muslim country has taken the spotlight among local media outlets, with her conversion making national headlines.
“My parents are no longer alive, so I am no longer tied to their wishes to teach me Islam. My husband has also passed away. So there’s a soul-calling from my ancestor who embraced Balinese Hinduism,” Sukmawati said of her decision to convert.
She added that her family members, including former president Megawati Sukarnoputri, have given their blessings for her to embark on her new spiritual path.
According to Arya Wedakarna, who heads the Sukarno Center, an administrative process to recognize Sukmawati as a traditional Balinese citizen is also ongoing.
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