Scouts told to save environment

JAKARTA: President Megawati Soekarnoputri asked the National Scouting Movement (Pramuka) on Monday to pay more attention to environmental conservation.

"The President has asked the new Pramuka board of executives to promote among scouts awareness of environmental issues," new Pramuka chief Azrul Azwar said after a meeting with the President.

Pramuka has for decades served as a ground for Indonesian students to learn about discipline, nationalism and first aid and survival skills. Elementary school students are obliged to join the movement.

Without elaborating, Azrul said Megawati would issue a presidential decree to amend the guidelines of the movement.

The President also agreed to install the movement's new board of executives, but the date for the event has still to be determined by the presidential secretariat. --JP