Anniversary of scout movement

PURWOREJO, C. Java (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno said yesterday Indonesians should place the interests of the nation above personal or group interests.

Speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the 36th anniversary of Scouts Day, Try said Indonesian scouts, and youths in general, should choose activities which prepare them for the future.

Scouts are pioneers who stand at the front line with self- reliance and confidence, he said, adding that members of the scout movement should also help the community achieve progress and prosperity.

Self-reliance alone, however, is not enough to play a great role in the global arena, he said. Toward this end, the Indonesian people should place themselves in an interdependent position, he said.

"By doing so, we can establish harmonious and mutually beneficial relations rather than exploit other parties," he said.

In addition, he said, people should always make an effort to learn how to communicate and negotiate with other nations.

The vice president underscored the need for scouts not only to gain expertise but also to dedicate themselves to the community as well as to development.

It is imperative for the Indonesian people to prepare the scouts and youths to address future challenges, he said.

In the next century, scouts and youths will play a decisive role in ensuring the survival of the nation, he said.

"Thus, the Indonesian people should ... forge cooperation on the basis of similarity and mutual respect," he said.

"This can only be achieved if the Indonesian people have self- reliance," he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Mrs. Try Sutrisno, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah and Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro. (har)