Jamboree honors Mrs. Tien

JAKARTA (JP): When the Pramuka (Indonesian scouts) jamboree opened at Cibubur, East Jakarta, yesterday, First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto was sorely missed.

Working for the scout movement was one of Mrs. Tien's most cherished activities. She rarely missed a function of national scale and she always turned up in scout uniform: a light brown top and dark brown skirt.

Although absent, her immense contribution to the movement was officially recognized and honored.

At yesterday's opening of the jamboree involving about 7,000 scouts, President Soeharto dedicated a statue to his late wife, and named the camping ground in Cibubur, previously known as Wiladatika, after her.

Soeharto said his family was grateful for the decision.

"It's an expression of gratitude and appreciation for her meritorious service for the progress of Pramuka and Indonesian youth," he said.

Soeharto just managed to contain his emotion as he pulled the curtain covering the statue which consisted of a two-meter epitaph and a bronze bust of a smiling Mrs. Tien in her scout uniform. Ten flowerpots containing jasmine, her favorite flower, surrounded the statue.

There was another touching moment when the President put his signature on the epitaph, watched by Vice President Try Sutrisno, Mrs. Try Sutrisno and several cabinet members and scout leaders.

The statue is located near the front gate of the camping ground. It was designed by sculptor Saptoto from Yogyakarta whose previous works include the farmer statue opposite the Aryaduta Hotel and the statue in front of the House of Representatives in Jakarta.

Mrs. Tien, who was an active girl scout in her teens, served as vice chairwoman of the movement and was in charge of fund-raising. She donated the 2.34-hectare camping ground that has since been used as the main venue for jamborees and other similar activities.

Mrs. Tien died in last April. She was survived by her husband, six children, 12 grandchildren and a great-grand child.

This is the second place officially named after her. Last October, Soeharto named a 4.2-kilometer road in Dili, East Timor, after her. Soeharto endorsed a plan last month to build a museum dedicated to his wife.

In his speech opening the jamboree, the President called on Indonesian youths to master science and technology because they were the nation's future.

He said the nation could no longer rely solely on its abundant natural resources.

"Learn science as much as you can and master technology as far as you can," he said.

The five-yearly scout jamboree will end July 10. Most of the participating scouts are senior high school or university students. (06)