Mega's love song marks Music Day

Mega's love song marks Music Day

President Megawati Soekarnoputri has a way of giving
surprises: she sang after announcing National Music Day at the
State Palace on Monday.

Prompted by a request from senior singer/composer/artist
Titiek Puspa, Megawati sang Di Wajahmu Kulihat Bulan (I
See the Moon on Your Face), a love song by composer Mochtar Embut
that was popular in the 1950s.

"As president I must keep my composure and must not act this
way, but I will sing," said Megawati, to a big cheer from the
audience.

Monday was the second time that the reserved President had
sung in public. She last sung in December, during a Christmas
visit to Papua, where she turned out May Way.

Present at the celebration were old and young singers,
including Titi DJ, Vina Panduwinata and Harvey Malaiholo,
who all urged the government to take serious measures to curb
song piracy.

"If piracy is allowed to continue, the (national) recording
industry will collapse," said Songwriters and Artists Association
chairman Dharma Oratmangun.

National Music Day falls on March 9 to coincide with the
birthday of Wage Rudolf Supratman, composer of the national
anthem Indonesia Raya. Supratman was born on March 9, 1903. --JP