Nation gives top stars to its best sons
Nation gives top stars to its best sons
JAKARTA (JP): Four retired Army generals, three senior oil
executives, three scientists, two journalists, a literary critic,
a diplomat and an ulema were awarded yesterday the Bintang
Mahaputra, Indonesia's highest meritorious service award.
All but one were present during the presentation ceremony led
by President Soeharto at the State Palace, an event which is
traditionally held before the nation marks its Independence Day
every Aug. 17.
Soeharto presented Bintang Mahaputera Utama stars to 12
recipients and Bintang Mahaputra Nararya stars to three others.
The four generals who received the Bintang Mahaputra Utama
awards were all seasoned statesmen with long service to the
government even after they retired from the military.
Sayidiman Suryahadiprojo, a lieutenant general, formerly
served as ambassador to Japan. He is now ambassador at large for
African affairs.
Adnil Hasnan Habib, also a lieutenant general, was ambassador
to the United States. He is currently ambassador at large for
American affairs.
Abdul Rachman Ramly, a major general with long service in the
intelligence division, was president of Tambang Timah and
Pertamina, state companies for tin and oil, respectively, before
becoming ambassador to the United States. He is now the chief
executive officer of the giant PT Astra International.
Ibrahim Adjie, a retired lieutenant general, served as
ambassador to Britain. He was not present at the ceremony
yesterday apparently because of his failing health.
Faisal Abda'oe, the president of Pertamina, also received the
Bintang Mahaputra Utama. Julius Tahija and Haroen Al Rasjid, two
senior executives of PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, an American oil
contractor which accounts for over half of Indonesia's oil
output, received the Bintang Mahaputra Nararya.
Nana Sutresna, a senior diplomat who heads the executive
committee for the Non-Aligned Movement chairman, was awarded the
Bintang Mahaputra Utama.
Three scientists also received the awards: Makaminan
Makagiansar who heads the National Education Advisory Council,
Samaun Samadikun who heads the Indonesian Institute of Sciences,
and sociologist Selo Soemardjan.
Sjamsul Bachri and Lazarus Eduard Manahua, respectively, of
Suara Karya and Pedoman Rakyat dailies, and Hasan Basrie, the
chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council, received the Mahaputra
Bintang stars.
H.C.H.B. Jassin, the noted literary critic, was given the
Mahaputra Nararya star.
The ceremony was attended by the relatives of the recipients.
"All praise to Allah, this came as a complete surprise to me,"
Jassin said after receiving the award. "I only work and work,
never expecting to get anything in return. And I will continue to
work after this award. There's still plenty to do."
He had Golkar, the ruling political organization, to thank
since it recommended him to the government for the award. (emb)