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)