Yogyakarta- Cultural observer Emha Ainun Nadjib or popularly called Cak Nun, for the first time delivered a cultural oration at Koesnadi Hardjosoemantri Cultural Center on Wednesday evening (29/12). In the same place a cultural oration was once given by the late poet, W. S. Rendra. This time, Emha was accompanied by Kyai Kanjeng music group that presented religious songs.
In his oration, Emha emphasized that Yogyakarta is not only special as the former Indonesia’s capital, but also the capital of world’s culture because many kinds of cultures are found there. “Yogyakarta is very special because of its cultural and natural diversity, such as Merapi, world’s archaeology and geology sites,” said Emha.
Related to Yogyakarta’s specialty, Emha said that Yogyakarta community is very tough in facing the polemics over the special political status of the city given in 1945. The Central Government has a different perspective. “I see Yogyakarta is being tortured, but don’t regret this. Perhaps, we are alerted by God in order that we do not become hypocrites,” he said.
To the Yogyakarta community, Emha asked to increase jobs related to culture, humanity, and social matters for the rehabilitation after the Merapi eruption. “Many bare lands can be turned into a place of work which can strengthen the bond between people,” he added.
Emha also invited several Village Heads in Cangkringan sub-district to perform on stage. Emha asked them to deliver their complaints regarding the condition experienced by their people after the eruption. Head of Kepuharjo village, Heri Suprapto, said that all his people have no house to stay, the land destroyed and their cattle died. The only source of income for them is the sand spewn by the Merapi that they can sell to companies. However, they are not free to excavate the sand because it is still managed by Sleman Regency Government. “To the Rector and Deans, please help us keep our sand from thieves,” he said.
In response, Can Nun said that he deliberately invited heads of villages from Merapi slopes to come to this event. He hoped UGM can give solution for these people. The sand potential can be utilized to meet their need so they do not rely on the government anymore. “UGM is expected to become a mediator for this problem,” said Cak Nun.
Previously, UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng, Ph.D., and Senior Vice Rector of Administrative, Finance and Human Resources, Prof. Ainun Na’iem, M.B.A., Ph.D., read a poem. Sudjarwadi read Mata Hati Memandangmu (Conscience Sees You), his own poem written in 1964. “This is my first poem I wrote 46 years ago, after that I never wrote poems because I had to study and work,” said Sudjarwadi calmly.
It is different from Ainun Na’im. He admitted that this was his first time ever in his life to read a poem. “I have tried to write my own poem. After I read it several times, I felt that I’m not good at poem writing,” said Ainun who decided to read Orang-orang Miskin (Poor People) by W.S. Rendra.