Hero title for Tuanku Tambusai

PEKANBARU, Riau: Residents of Kampar regency enthusiastically welcomed the government's decision to confer upon their past freedom fighter, Tuanku Tambusai, the National Hero title.

"This is an honor for the whole people of Riau," according to Kasim Fasdabino, spokesman of the regency administration. "No other Riau figures have been given the title before."

Local people have long respected Tuanku Tambusai and have used his name for several public facilities, such as the sports stadium, he said. (swe)