Sultan, rector read poetry

YOGYAKARTA: Yogyakarta Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and the rector of state Gadjah Mada University, Ichlasul Amal, read their poetry during an arts performance which also featured noted stage actor W.S. Rendra.

The event was held on Tuesday at the university's Graha Sabha Pramana auditorium as part of its Dec. 19 golden anniversary celebrations.

"Don't compare my work with that of Rendra's. I would be curious if somebody said my (work) was better than his," Ichlasul told some 5,000 people attending the event.

A performance by the Twilite Orchestra added life to the celebration.

Minister of National Education Yahya Muhaimin, who is an alumni of the university, was in the audience for the event.

Noted economist Anggito Abimanyu surprised those present by playing the flute with the student orchestra.

Impersonator Butet Kertarejasa's monologue Iblis Nganggur (The Jobless Satan) was greeted by great laughter from the audience. Butet rose to fame with his impersonations of former presidents Soeharto and B.J. Habibie.

In poems written specially for the event, Rendra called on people to maintain peace and unity in the country. (44/sur)