Germany honors Habibie

Germany honors Habibie

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.
Habibie has been awarded a state honorary medal by German
Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

The medal was conferred in Bonn Tuesday in recognition of
Habibie's efforts in forging the excellent ties enjoyed between
Indonesia and Germany.

The award took the minister by surprise as he was apparently
not informed about it. "I was not informed about it whatsoever,
so it was quite a surprise to me," Habibie was quoted by Antara
as saying from Bonn.

He received the medal during a visit to Kohl's office.

Habibie, 61, described the award as "an honorary citation for
Indonesia which has been playing a constant role at world forums
and is now recognized by the international community."

Having spent most of his academic life in Germany, Habibie is
known to be fond of Germany. He rose from the ranks of German
aeronautics company Messerschmitt Bolkow-Blohm to become its
vice-president from 1974-1978.

He is the longest serving minister in the cabinet, having held
his post since 1978. (mds)