Junior high school let down by Egyptian minister

JAKARTA (JP): About 400 junior high school students in national dress or uniform were disappointed yesterday after their guest of honor, Egyptian Minister of Education Hussein Kamel Bahaa Eldin, failed to show up.

Students of South Jakarta's SMPN 13 had broken their long vacation to greet the Egyptian minister, only to learn much later that he would not arrive.

No one at the Egyptian embassy was available to comment on the incident but a staffer, requesting anonymity, said that such a program was normally prepared by the minister's Indonesian hosts and that it was their duty to inform those concerned of any changes.

The minister is in town for the Qualification Asia 1997 symposium on vocational education.

The Head of the Ministry of Education and Culture's Jakarta office, Sri Surono Sumarto, who was to have escorted the guest of honor, informed the students and their teachers that he too only learned of the change of plan yesterday morning.

"I hope you're not too disappointed. We truly appreciate all your efforts," Sumarto said.

A brief cultural performance by students intended for the minister was played before Sumarto.

The students turned up as ordered at 8.30 a.m., but were only told of the cancellation just before 11 a.m.

According to the program sent by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Minister Husein should have visited the school to observe Indonesian curriculum.

On June 20, before the vacation, the school asked first and second grade students to attend the school yesterday.

Some were asked to come in national dress and take part in cultural performances.

"I spent Rp 50,000 on her dress and another Rp. 20,000 on makeup," said Mrs. Rohamah Karim, whose daughter wore a Bengkulu traditional outfit.

Students Ena and Dian said they had rehearsed a traditional North Sumatra dance with eight other friends.

"This is such a waste," a disappointed teacher said.

The school's principal, Tetty Harahap, tried to console students and staff. "At least we did our best to welcome the minister," she said. (35)