Poems published in memory of Ibu Tien

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday received a copy of Remembering Ibu Tien in Poetry, an anthology of more than 73 poems written in remembrance of the late first lady.

The book was presented to the President at his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta, by the General Manager of the Suara Pembaruan evening newspaper, Albert Hasibuan.

Published by PT Pustaka Sinar Harapan, the book's poems were sent in by the public to the newspaper, the state-owned television company TVRI and the privately owned station RCTI in expression of their sorrow at Ibu Tien's death.

Albert Hasibuan, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, said the book was prepared in two weeks with a first-edition print run of about 5,000 books.

Apart from poems, the book contains a pictorial montage of the first lady at various charity occasions, giving readers a glimpse at her life's work and many contributions to society.

Albert said the book was published on behalf of the people who wanted to convey their feelings and deep sense of loss at her death.

The 204-page book went on sale in bookstores yesterday, priced Rp 11,500.

As reported by Antara, President Soeharto said after receiving a copy of the book that he and his family had also received many poems imparting sorrow at Ibu Tien's death.

According to the President these poems will be published in a book of their own. (mds)