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)