Jakarta – Thousands flocked to the late artist W.S. Rendra's Bengkel Teater workshop in Citayam, Depok on Friday, to pay their respects to the founder of the theater group of the same name.

Among the mourners were vice-president-elect Boediono, Transportation Minister Djusman Syafii Djamal, Depok Mayor Nur Mahmudi Ismail and Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik. Countless fellow artists and celebrities were also present at the theatre workshop.

Among popular artists were folk musician Iwan Fals, theatre artist and essayist Emha Ainun Najib, author and playwright Putu Wijaya, and comedian Tarzan.

Willibrordus Surendra Broto Rendra, nick-named the "Peacock" for his flamboyant romantic relationships, passed away at around 10 p.m. on Thursday at Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Depok. He was 74.

The funeral procession evoked deep sadness among the poet's family and friends.

"I am unfit to be a teacher at Bengkel Teater. As a wife, I had not dedicated myself enough to you. I love you...," Ken Zuraida, Rendra's third wife, said to her late husband, as quoted by Antara.

Ken then asked the members of Bengkel Teater present at the funeral to sing the Javanese song "Singgah-singgah" to bid the poet a last farewell. Her request was met by several members, who solemnly sang the song usually performed before a play is about to begin.

The poet was buried under a tree behind Bengkel Teater. "The spot had been prepared since a long time ago," Iwan Burnani, Rendra's brother-in-law, said. "He also requested to be buried under a tree."

Artist Emha gave a teary speech before Rendra's body was lowered into the grave. Fellow artist Putu and singer Iwan Fals, a usually no-nonsense man in his songs and attitude, was also unable to hold back his tears, vivanews.com reported.

In Semarang, journalists and artists performed theatrical acts to honor Rendra near the fountain on Jl. Pahlawan. Those who gathered took turns reading his poems and constructed a bamboo throne decorated with the nation's red and white flag as a tribute to the late poet.

Semarang Arts Council head Marco Manardi said Rendra was a revolutionary poet during his time. "He dared to stand up against the New Order. His works contained protests against the current social condition. During the Soeharto era, the things he did were considered acts of bravery," he said.