Street named for Benyamin

Street named for Benyamin

JAKARTA (JP): The name of the late Betawi (indigenous Jakartan) artist H. Benyamin Suaeb will be eternalized in a road name in Jakarta.

Deputy Governor for People's Welfare RS Museno said yesterday the road is located around Benyamin's old hometown, between Jl. RE Martadinata road and Jl. Kemayoran Gempol in the Central and North Jakarta.

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja will dedicate the street name in a ceremony at the Istiqlal Mosque on Dec. 6 coinciding with the 100th day after artist's death.

Museno said that the late actor, singer and composer Benyamin was a national asset who deserved to be honored for his efforts in preserving Indonesian culture, especially Betawi arts.

"Benyamin had done a lot for Betawi culture by making it popular in the community through the media and shows," Museno said.

Benyamin's last TV series was the well-known Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Si Doel the School Boy).

Benyamin was judged meritorious for promoting Betawi culture to neighboring countries as Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Talks on Benyamin, and Islamic lectures will also be held to commemorate his death. Proceedings will kick off at the Taman Ismail Marzuki art center on Dec. 3. (yns/03)