Poet to be immortalized

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Local artists and cultural observers are calling on the government to name the new airport to be built in Kuala Namu, Deli Serdang after the province's renowned poet and national hero, Amir Hamzah.

Antara reported that the 200 artists made the call after attending a seminar in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Hamzah's death on Sunday.

The airport will be built some 40 km southeast of here to replace the Polonia airport. It is expected to be completed and operational by 2000.

Born in 1911 in Langkat regency, Amir grew up in Solo, Central Java, and was involved in youth movements against the Dutch colonial administration. He died on March 16, 1946. (swe)