Soeharto awards dedicated model citizens

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)