Health advocates receive honors

JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Health has presented awards for high dedication on health issues to 28 people from the country's 27 provinces.

The awards were presented late on Sunday in conjunction with the 34th National Health Day marked on Nov. 12, Antara reported.

Among the recipients were Hembing Wijayakusuma, an expert on traditional herbs and acupuncture. Jakarta governor Sutiyoso was also honored for his administration's service in improving health services in the capital.

An executive of the Pandu Citra Indonesia foundation which worked with the ministry in presenting the award, MS Dhira, said the event was aimed at increasing public awareness of health issues.

Hembing was recognized for his 40 years in health services, including researching plants in remote areas in Irian Jaya, Sumatra and Kalimantan. Hembing is also a recipient of the Star of Son-Mu award from Korea and the Star of Asia Award from Australia.