Habibie turns 58 years old

BANDUNG: State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie celebrated his 58th year birthday among close relatives and friends at his home here on Saturday.

Around 100 people turned up, including Minister of Transportation Haryanto Danutirto and senior journalist Aristides Katoppo.

The party started with recital of prayer and the cutting of the rice cone, which symbolizes prosperity and safety.

"Within the next two years I will be 60, thanks to God that I'm still fit in this age," Habibie said. (pet/prs)