President awards national heroes

President awards national heroes

President Megawati Soekarnoputri gestures to a woman (not
pictured), while State Minister for Women's Empowerment Sri
Redjeki Soemaryoto (right) and former minister of social affairs
Sulasikin Murpratomo (left) looks on during a ceremony honoring
national heroes at the State Palace.

The President posthumously awarded the title of National Hero
to Grand Gen. A.H. Nasution, Gen. Jatikusumo, Andi Djemma, Ong
Tiku and Prof. Iwa Kusuma Sumantri on Friday.

During the ceremony, Megawati also awarded the Mahaputera
Nararya Medal of Merit to the late Tji Agus Kiemas, her
father-in-law, for his meritorious service while working for the
Trade ministry. Awards also went to the late author Umar Kayam,
noted artists Chairil Anwar, Ismail Marzuki and Teguh Karya.

The awards were given on the occasion of Heroes Day, which
falls on Nov. 10.

Megawati's predecessors Soeharto and B.J. Habibie also
showered their wives, family members and friends with honorary
medals. --JP