Guess What? Slamet Abdul Sjukur

Guess What? Slamet Abdul Sjukur

Leading contemporary musician Slamet Abdul Sjukur went around telling everyone he was pregnant.

"I am due in August," said the 74-year-old at the opening of a new gallery Thursday in Cilandak, South Jakarta.

He explained to dumbfounded acquaintances that his "babies" will be new compositions for a two-day performance in September at the Jakarta Arts Summit.

"You must come to see it at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta," he said.

He grumbled that the Ministry of Education and Culture only gave him six months to compose his works.

"They don't understand art, I need two years for composing," he said while enjoying the food at the gallery and home of his friend, Teguh Ostenrik.

He continued to mutter from under his moustache that he couldn't afford to refuse the offer despite the tight time constraint.

The energetic composer performed at least five times last year with other musicians, like Harry Roesli.

Slamet, distinguished by his long hair, proved to be his own promotional manager as he whisked out a small green note book containing self-made name cards.

"Please rip one for yourself," he encouraged.

A former piano teacher, known to be quite demanding by his students, he now teaches composing. "I would appreciate an assistant," he says, "but nobody can stand me." (anr)