Governor lifts ban on Emha

SEMARANG, Central Java: Governor Soewardi has softened his stance on the ban of intellectual Emha Ainun Nadjib from addressing seminars and giving readings in the province.

Soewardi said he would allow Emha to appear in public so long as the poet did not criticize the government. "A ban would only make him more popular," he said. "Let him speak... but if he speaks foul words, he will be banned again."

The governor's stand has been received with great enthusiasm by a senior politician from the United Development Party (PPP), Karmani. "We expect that Emha will now refrain from bluntly criticizing the government," he said.(wah)