Govt aids independence pioneers

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)