Guess What? Bagong Kussudiardja

Guess What? Bagong Kussudiardja

In Javanese culture, ular-ular, or wedding advice, is usually
delivered by the bride's father. But noted choreographer Bagong
Kussudiardja, 67, wanted something different for his second
marriage as he assigned his son, Butet Kartaredjasa to do the
job.

"...despite his old age, the groom can be considered a
'teenager'. Why? Because he has just begun his new family. He is
a beginner. I'm much more senior since I have been married for 19
years. Anytime you find a problem, please do not hesitate to
consult with me," advised Butet, who is dubbed the King of
Monologue.

Butet praised his father for waiting until 1,000 days had
passed since his mother and Bagong's first wife passed away
before marrying Yuli Sri Hastuti, 34, from the East Java town of
Magetan. The ceremony was held in Yuli's hometown on Sept. 23 and
the party was held on Oct. 9 at Bagong's studio in Kasihan,
Bantul in Yogyakarta.

Butet saw the wedding as, among other things, a way to prolong
his father's age and give him the happiness he desires.

"But that doesn't mean that we have a new mother. She is
Bagong's wife but not my mother. No one can replace my mother,
who has been resting in peace," Butet added.

Bagong did not say much about the wedding but clarified his
true age. "My official age is 72 years, but actually I am 67
years old," said the father of seven and grandfather of 20. (swa)