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)