Scouts told to develop the country

Scouts told to develop the country

JAKARTA: Scouts, especially scoutmasters, have been urged to help keep the country united by respecting differences.

"In this situation, we are called on to be tolerant, respect differences and strengthen national unity," the Scouts' Board of Patrons chairman M. Jusuf Kalla said in his opening remarks at the 2002 Scout National Motivation Skills Contest here on Saturday.

He said participants would be given training for personal development so that they would have leadership qualities besides understanding the cultures and religions Indonesians adhered to.

Meanwhile, organizing committee chairman A.A. Rivai Harahap said that a total of 580 people, consisting of 29 male groups and 29 female groups, would participate in the contest.

The winner would be sent to Thailand in December 2002 to attend the World Scout meeting.

Some 1,200 handicapped people from 21 provinces are also attending the scout camp.

The camp will run until July 11. -- Antara