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)