Habibie's portraits auctioned

Habibie's portraits auctioned

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Two huge canvas portraits of B.J. Habibie, the state minister for research and technology who hails from the province, fetched Rp 261 million at an auction this week.

The auction was carried out to gather funds for the Latimojong education institute headed by Amiruddin, a member of the People's Consultative Assembly.

The portraits were the work of senior photographer Ali Said, also of South Sulawesi origins and winner of the 1981 Adinegoro press photo award.

Habibie, who was present at the auction, put his signature on both portraits, Antara reported. The report did not identify the buyers of the portraits.

The Lamojong foundation has built a school that stresses quality. The proceeds from the auction will be used to expand the campus. (emb)