Soeharto awards dedicated model citizens<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The \"common person\" got a day in the limelight
\nyesterday as 1,407 selected exemplary individuals, many of whom
\nare low-ranking civil servants from the country's most remote
\nareas, were awarded for their dedication and achievement.<\/p>\n
President Soeharto personally awarded 46 of them yesterday,
\nbut all 1,407 attended the ceremony.<\/p>\n
The ceremony, held at the Jakarta Convention Center, was merry
\nas dangdut and pop singers helped spice up the occasion.<\/p>\n
The 1,407 chosen from 46 categories were lauded as exemplary
\npersons and models for others to follow.<\/p>\n
They were invited to Jakarta to attend the commemoration of
\nthe country's 52nd Independence Day which fell on Sunday.<\/p>\n
The people represented a wide-range of society, with
\nlibrarians, village chiefs, tribal chiefs, social workers and
\nmidwives being awarded.<\/p>\n
Among those awarded were postman Bakri Kari from Maluku,
\nvolcanic observer Sunarta from Mt. Merapi, Central Java,
\nstatistic officer Aonollah from Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, and
\ntribal chief Yohanis Kapiyau from Fak Fak, Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
\"They've proved their love and commitment to the country by
\ngiving their best. They've shown to be examples for the nation,\"
\nMinister\/State Secretary Moerdiono said in his report to the
\nPresident.<\/p>\n
Those selected all received a certificate and a personally
\nautographed photo of Soeharto.<\/p>\n
Many also received money and souvenirs from respective
\nministers, high-ranking officials and other institutions.<\/p>\n
\"I received a camera from the Minister of Education and
\nCulture, and Rp 150,000 from a foundation,\" said Suharyani from
\nMalang, Central Java, who was chosen as an exemplary university
\nstudent.<\/p>\n
Suharyani is studying at Brawijaya University's School of
\nAdministration.<\/p>\n
For tribal chief Kapiyau, the experience of spending a few
\ndays in Jakarta itself was an astonishing experience.<\/p>\n
He expressed his amazement at the development of the western
\npart of Indonesia, which is drastically different compared to his
\nhome in Fak Fak.<\/p>\n
\"Comparing the situation in Jakarta with Fak Fak is like
\ncomparing the earth and sky,\" he remarked.<\/p>\n
Appearing somewhat daunted, the former primary school teacher
\nhoped his home could be like Jakarta someday.<\/p>\n
\"I hope Fak Fak will also be developed like Jakarta. My people
\ncan't even imagine what high-rise buildings are like,\" he said.
\n\"I hope the government won't forget Irian\".<\/p>\n
After presenting the award, President Soeharto, Vice President
\nTry Sutrisno and cabinet ministers left the venue.<\/p>\n
The long-awaited top dangdut singers Ikke Nurjanah and Evie
\nTamala then performed.<\/p>\n
Ikke began her show with her top hit Longing for You prompting
\nnearly 100 people to dance and go up on stage. Afterwards she
\nbusily posed for her adoring fans.<\/p>\n
When Evie Tamala performed and sang her hit Good Night, many
\nof the fans approached her and asked TV cameramen to take their
\npictures.<\/p>\n
\"This is the most valuable experience of my life,\" said
\npostman Bakri. (prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/soeharto-awards-dedicated-model-citizens-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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