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)