Official pledges lively youth day celebrations

JAKARTA (JP): Arts and sports contests, social activities, tree planting and presentation of medals to dedicated youths, will enliven the commemoration of the 66th national Youth Pledge Day, next week, Oct. 28.

On the national level, celebrations will be concentrated in Jakarta while on local levels, city authorities are free to hold their own activities.

"Ceremonial programs are meant to serve as a reminder for Indonesians of what our founding fathers did to achieve independence," said Hartanto, spokesman for the celebration committee.

Hartanto, Secretary of the State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, said the regular ceremonies would be held nation-wide on Oct. 28, when the 66 year old Youth Pledge text will be read again.

The Youth Pledge Day is celebrated every year in remembrance of an event dating back to Oct. 28, 1928, when Indonesian youths from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds across the country came together to pledge their determination to unite for national independence from the Dutch colonial administrators.

In the pledge made by 750 youths from various ethnic groups and organizations vowed to be united in one country, one nationality and one language.

Hartanto said this year 12 youths from 10 provinces would receive medals for their dedication in fields like cooperatives, tourism, technology, environment and culture.

Those receiving medals include three groups of "village development activators" and "professional, independent young employees".

President Soeharto, Vice President Try Sutrisno, high-ranking government officials, foreign diplomats and distinguished youth figures are expected to attend next week's ceremony.

Activities will be held jointly between the state minister of youth affairs and sports, the ministers of education and culture, manpower, forestry, the Jakarta City Government, youth and non- governmental organizations and boy scouts, Hartanto said.(pwn)