Adam Malik, 3 freedom fighters declared heroes

Adam Malik, 3 freedom fighters declared heroes

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie inaugurated on Monday the
late Adam Malik, a former minister of foreign affairs and vice
president, and three other independence fighters as national
heroes in a ceremony to mark National Heroes Day.

In addition to honoring Adam Malik, the President awarded the
titles to former Central Kalimantan governor Tjilik Riwut, former
East Kalimantan sultan La Maddukelleng, and Sultan Assyaidis
Syarif Kasim, the former sultan of Siak in Riau, for their
meritorious service in the country's independence struggle.

In his decree, dated Nov. 6, the President said the title was
awarded to Adam Malik in appreciation of his extraordinary
services and heroic actions in fighting against colonialism, and
maintaining independence.

"And especially in implementing free and active foreign
affairs policies and struggling for the integration of East
Timor, the liberation of West Irian and in formulating the basic
principles of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN)," the President said.

Adam Malik served as minister of foreign affairs from 1967
until 1977, during which time he played a key role in the
establishment of ASEAN in 1967, and then as vice president from
1978 to 1983.

The President awarded the country's highest medal, the Bintang
Republik Indonesia, to three prime ministers in the 1950s and
1960s -- the late Sutan Sjahrir, the late Mohamad Natsir and the
late Burhanuddin Harahap -- and two other ministers.

He also presented the country's second highest medal, the
Bintang Mahaputera, to 11 prominent figures, for their
contribution to the country.

The medals were received by their descendants or local
government officials as all of the recipients had passed away.
(prb)