Govt aids independence pioneers

JAKARTA (JP): The government is hastening to improve the welfare of hundreds of pioneers of Indonesia's independence movement, many now in their 80s, by expediting the distribution of Rp 1.5 million (US$638) in house renovation allowance for each of them.

Hamid Algadri of Perintis Kemerdekaan organization said after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday that the President has granted the organization's request that the government speeds up the distribution of the funds.

"The money should promptly be distributed, while they're still alive...most of them are already in their 80s," Hamid said.

Hamid, accompanied by colleagues Mrs. Lasmidjah Hardi, Sarli Kusumo Dirdjo and HML. Datuk Penghulu Besar, also said that Soeharto has agreed to speed up the process of conferring Satyalencana Perintis Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medals upon the remaining freedom fighters. The award was given to 102 pioneers of the independence movement last August, with about 300 other pioneers still awaiting the honor.

The government has said that there are 7,888 people who have been accorded the status of independence movement pioneers, of whom 423 are still alive.

The Satyalencana Perintis Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medal is for civilians.

Every month, pioneers receive a government pension of Rp 360,000 each, while widows of pioneers receive 60 percent of the sum. (swe)