Sultan, rector read poetry

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)