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