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