From Oslo with song

A song for a visit: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (right) plays a guitar as he and sports minister Andi Mallarangeng sing a song the President composed, on the sidelines of a climate conference in Oslo. Yudhoyono said Friday his song was inspired by the conference. – JP/Aditya Suharmoko

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has previously spoken at many prestigious international forums about protecting the environment, but he now finds it necessary to express his concerns musically.

The President sang “Oslo”, a song that he composed on the sidelines of the Oslo Climate and Forest Conference, after the conference’s final press briefing at the Holmenkollen Hotel Park Rica in Oslo on Friday,

The President asked Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng to sing with him.

Other Cabinet members sang along, albeit with difficulty.

“Bersatu, bersatulah kawan. Bersatu dunia, untuk bumi kita. Lakukan, mari kita lakukan. Bergandengan tangan, untuk menjaganya. Tengadahkan tangan, mohon pada Tuhan. Anak cucu kita, selamat semuanya,” Yudhoyono sang while strumming his guitar.

In English, the song’s lyrics are “Unite friends, unite. Unite the world for our earth. Do it, let’s do it. Hand in hand to protect it. Lift up your hands, make a wish to God. Our offspring will all be safe and sound.”

Yudhoyono said the conference had inspired him to write the song. More than 50 heads of state and environment ministers were in attendance.

The President, who brings a guitar with him wherever he goes, has composed dozens of songs and released three albums.