Minister always ready to read poem

Minister always ready to read poem

JAKARTA: Meuti Hatta Swasono's shaky voice indicated that she was a little nervous when she was on stage reading a poem by legendary poet Chairil Anwar on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the 2005 Literary Camp on late Saturday.

The state minister for women's empowerment later made a confession, saying that it was her first experience reading a poem.

"I've never read a poem in public before; that's my first time," she told reporters, referring to the poem Cintaku Jauh di Pulau (or My love is far on a island)

"They (the committee) just called me on stage and left me with no choice but to read the poem," she laughed.

Although unprepared, Meutia drew appreciative applause from the audience -- mostly comprising artists and members of the National Boy and Girl Scouts.

Meutia said public figures were expected to show their love of literature so in turn, more literary-related activities would be held to promote the public's appreciation of literature.

"Public figures can read poems to help people raise their appreciation of literary works," said Meutia, who enjoys reading the works of certain literary legends.

To give works of literature a place in the life of the nation, Meutia also urged that the electronic media be more active in promoting them.

"Our people prefer to watch television than read, that's why I think electronic media must take the opportunity to introduce literary works to public in general," she said.

Meutia said she believed that literature could shape a nation's character.

"I heard that after the success of Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? (What's up with Cinta?), more and more teenagers became interested in literature. Well, I hope media (filmmakers) will make the kind of films to in spite our young generation to enjoy literature," said Meutia, referring to the teen flick, starring Dian Sastro and Nicholas Saputra. In the film Nicholas plays a high school student who loves literature. --JP