Independence pioneers to get medals

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Endang Kusuma Inten Suweno said yesterday that 102 pioneers of the independence movement will receive an award for their dedication and services.

The Satyalencana Perintis Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medals will be given out next month by Inten on behalf of President Soeharto.

"They come from 14 provinces and it is given as a symbol of appreciation for their contributions to the country, particularly as a founder, leader or for their activity in Indonesia's independence movement," said Inten recently.

During the month of August awards and medals are presented by the government to coincide with independence day celebrations on the 17th.

Inten explained that there are 7,888 persons which have been accorded the status of independence movement pioneers, of which 423 are still alive.

The Satyalencana Perintis Pergerakan Kemerdekaan medals are for civilians.

Inten told journalists that the Ibu Tien Soeharto Foundation will be awarding 10,000 scholarships.

Furthermore, the Dharmais Foundation and the Supersemar Foundation, both chaired by President Soeharto, will each hand out 50,000 scholarships for elementary school children and 10,000 for junior high school students.

Elementary students will receive Rp 60,000 (US$26) a year in scholarship money and Rp 90,000 a year will be given to junior high school recipients.

The money is primarily to be used for tuition and school uniforms.

Inten urged headmasters to file reports and nominate needy children with good scholastic records.

She added that the donations from the three foundations were part of the national foster parents plan. (mds)