Guess What? Haryono Suyono

Being the first of something is enough to make Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication Haryono Suyono proud.

"I am the first minister since our independence in 1945 who is especially assigned to alleviate poverty," he said proudly.

Haryono, formerly a state minister for population and chairman of the National Family Planning Board, asked journalists to give more coverage on his activities to help poor people.

"I know you will be happier covering big business activities. But remember, poor people are also potential newspaper subscribers," he said.

Haryono's office, located on Jl. Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta, also reflects poverty: it has poor maintenance.

"With this condition we will have better understanding on how to be poor," he said. (prb)