Rendra reads his poems for ABRI

JAKARTA (JP): Vocal poet W.S. Rendra, whose line of work in the past often brought him into conflict with the authorities, made a surprising appearance yesterday when he attended the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Armed Forces (ABRI) Day in Denpasar, Bali.

Rendra instantly became the center of attention as he appeared in the ceremony led by Chief of the Udayana Military Command Maj. Gen. R. Adang Ruchiatna Puradiredja and attended by Bali governor Ida Bagus Oka and chief of Nusa Tenggara police Maj. Gen. Hartoyo, Antara reported.

The poet was also invited by Adang to read his poem later yesterday during an entertainment program held in Renon.

"I've been a good friend of Adang's since he was a lieutenant colonel," Rendra told the news agency when asked about the reason behind his attendance.

Adang, commenting on reporters' questions on why he invited Rendra said: "He (Rendra) is my best friend."

"ABRI intends to involve anyone with potential, including artists," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday night, Rendra and Adang had an amicable get-together at the latter's residence.

Rendra has been barred from reading his poems at several cities in the country, largely because of his critical works.

Adang, whose jurisdiction includes Bali, Nusa Tenggara and East Timor, said there was nothing unusual about the poet's presence in the celebration.

"If you notice my career in ABRI, you will see that I have always invited artists," he said.

Adang explained that ABRI has been known for its closeness with the people and that it feels obliged to develop people's potentials.

"ABRI and the people are inseparable," he said.

When attending the ceremony, Rendra admitted that he had throat problems. He was then given medication by a military doctor.

Last week, after extensive ambivalence, rebel poet Emha Ainun Nadjib decided to read his poems to mark the local celebration of the Armed Forces (ABRI) Day in Semarang, Central Java.

At the event at the campus of the Diponegoro University, the military showed no objection or any attempt to stop him when he read his poems which are critical of authorities. (par)