Alatas awarded honorary doctorate

Alatas awarded honorary doctorate

SEMARANG: Professors at Diponegoro University will confer on
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas an honorary doctorate for
his diplomacy skills and his contribution toward the development
of legal science.

Rector Muladi announced here Sunday the presentation ceremony
will coincide with the university's 40th anniversary on Nov. 28.

So far, the university has awarded similar honors to a total
of 16 ministers of the current cabinet, 40 ambassadors from ASEAN
countries, and members of the Organization of Islamic Conference
and European Economic Community.

At the ceremony, Alatas will give a speech on "Indonesia's
Contribution toward an Improved World Order."

Muladi said Alatas, who graduated in 1956 from University of
Indonesia's Law School, deserves the honor because of his
reputation in the fields of law, humanities, community
development, and because of his personal integrity, achievements
and loyalty.

Alatas is a man "without flaws," Muladi said.

The rector said the university decided to confer the degree on
Alatas after a three-month study of his achievements, after
obtaining approval from the Ministry of Education and Culture,
and based on the input of a number of foreign diplomats. (har/swe)