Soeharto honors Indonesian farmers

Soeharto honors Indonesian farmers

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto demonstrated yesterday his
appreciation and highest respect for Indonesian farmers,
especially those who have made outstanding progress in boosting
agricultural production.

The President held a breaking of the fast gathering for 20
winners of the 1997 National Competition for Agricultural
Intensification at the State Palace.

"In this palace banquets are usually held to honor visiting
heads of government or state. I hope this high appreciation from
the government and privately from me will encourage farmers to
boost their production," the President said.

The winners included the Mardi Karya farmers' group from
Gresik regency, East Java, who increased their corn production
last year.

They were given a savings account with Rp 7.5 million (about
US$900) in it, and a tractor.

The breaking of the fast gathering was attended by about 300
people, mostly farmers, cooperative members or Ministry of
Agriculture officials from remote areas.

The farmers appeared enthusiastic, listening attentively to
the President's address.

However, some of them appeared tired from traveling while
fasting. Many of them had arrived in Jakarta only an hour before
the ceremony.

Some farmers were seen yawning during the President's address
in the cool air-conditioned room. Some also looked bewildered
because they did not understand Indonesian.

"Some of the farmers cannot speak Indonesian. But they are the
real fighters for our economy," a palace official said.

"In facing the current economic and monetary upheavals, the
agricultural sector has become one of our mainstays because it
does not need imported raw materials," said Soeharto.

After the ceremony, Soeharto gave farmers the opportunity to
pose for photographs with him and chatted with them before
breaking the fast.

On the dinner menu was rendang -- meat simmered in spices and
coconut milk --, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and fish.

"We provided simple food because they may have felt confused
if we provided an unusual menu for them. We want them to feel at
home," a palace official said.

Singers Rafika Duri and Tuty Tri Sedia entertained the VIP
guests with Kroncong and pop music. (prb)