Soeharto awards dedicated model citizens
JAKARTA (JP): The "common person" got a day in the limelight yesterday as 1,407 selected exemplary individuals, many of whom are low-ranking civil servants from the country's most remote areas, were awarded for their dedication and achievement.
President Soeharto personally awarded 46 of them yesterday, but all 1,407 attended the ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the Jakarta Convention Center, was merry as dangdut and pop singers helped spice up the occasion.
The 1,407 chosen from 46 categories were lauded as exemplary persons and models for others to follow.
They were invited to Jakarta to attend the commemoration of the country's 52nd Independence Day which fell on Sunday.
The people represented a wide-range of society, with librarians, village chiefs, tribal chiefs, social workers and midwives being awarded.
Among those awarded were postman Bakri Kari from Maluku, volcanic observer Sunarta from Mt. Merapi, Central Java, statistic officer Aonollah from Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, and tribal chief Yohanis Kapiyau from Fak Fak, Irian Jaya.
"They've proved their love and commitment to the country by giving their best. They've shown to be examples for the nation," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said in his report to the President.
Those selected all received a certificate and a personally autographed photo of Soeharto.
Many also received money and souvenirs from respective ministers, high-ranking officials and other institutions.
"I received a camera from the Minister of Education and Culture, and Rp 150,000 from a foundation," said Suharyani from Malang, Central Java, who was chosen as an exemplary university student.
Suharyani is studying at Brawijaya University's School of Administration.
For tribal chief Kapiyau, the experience of spending a few days in Jakarta itself was an astonishing experience.
He expressed his amazement at the development of the western part of Indonesia, which is drastically different compared to his home in Fak Fak.
"Comparing the situation in Jakarta with Fak Fak is like comparing the earth and sky," he remarked.
Appearing somewhat daunted, the former primary school teacher hoped his home could be like Jakarta someday.
"I hope Fak Fak will also be developed like Jakarta. My people can't even imagine what high-rise buildings are like," he said. "I hope the government won't forget Irian".
After presenting the award, President Soeharto, Vice President Try Sutrisno and cabinet ministers left the venue.
The long-awaited top dangdut singers Ikke Nurjanah and Evie Tamala then performed.
Ikke began her show with her top hit Longing for You prompting nearly 100 people to dance and go up on stage. Afterwards she busily posed for her adoring fans.
When Evie Tamala performed and sang her hit Good Night, many of the fans approached her and asked TV cameramen to take their pictures.
"This is the most valuable experience of my life," said postman Bakri. (prb)