Rendra reads his poems for ABRI

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)