Guess What? Arief Budiman

Guess What? Arief Budiman

Judging from the people who were present at the gathering, it
could have been a poem-reading contest between prominent poets,
an intellectual seminar or even a human rights demonstration.

But it wasn't. It was just noted sociologist Arief Budiman and
his wife Leila Chudori hosting a wedding ceremony for their
daughter Susanti Kusumasari. She was married last Sunday to
Kuskridho Ambardi. Both are graduates of the School of Social and
Political Sciences at Gajah Mada University.

In the small, dynamic Central Java town of Salatiga, Arief and
Leila did what only a few Indonesians could do: gather some of
the most prominent fighters for democracy. Their guests included
Abdurrahman Wahid, Emha Ainun Nadjib, Rendra, Goenawan Mohamad,
Fikri Jufri, Aristides Katoppo, Marsilam Simanjuntak, Darmanto
Jatman and "humorologist" Jaya Suprana.

"Security" was conspicuously absent, however, perhaps because
Leila's brother, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah was
also among the guests.

Rendra read some poems, Darmanto made a short speech, Emha
blessed the newly weds and Jaya amused the guests with his highly
intellectual gags.

Arief, whose most formal attire is usually a polo shirt, was
dressed in long-sleeved brown batik, blue trousers and a black
peci cap.

"Life is full of contradictions. Where there is grief, there
will be happiness, and where happiness prevails, grief may gain
the upper hand. But whatever happens, never give up," he told the
beaming couple. (pwn/har)