Spouses told to help ministers in crisis

JAKARTA (JP): First Lady Hasri Ainun Habibie urged the wives of ministers of the Reform Development Cabinet on Saturday to help the government in overcoming the current economic turmoil.

Speaking in a ceremony to mark the 32nd anniversary of the organization of wives of cabinet members, Ria Pembangunan, Ainun said members should offer their help for needy people.

"Members of Ria Pembangunan can become good models for Indonesian women in continuing their services for the progress of the nation," she said.

"Give our husbands strength in their efforts to resolve the country's economic problems," the women said in a prayer which was part of the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah park in East Jakarta. About 100 children from several orphanages were also present at the ceremony.

The organization membership also includes the wives of other senior government officials.

The organization was founded by the late Tien Soeharto, the wife of former president Soeharto.

Because of her position, a minister's wife becomes the chairperson of a similar organization, Dharma Wanita, in their respective ministries.

The chairperson of the anniversary, Maria Adi Sasono, apologized to orphans, as the organization could not fulfill its promise to bring them to the entertainment center in Taman Ria Senayan, South Jakarta.

"We also apologize that we cannot give any gifts," said Maria, the wife of Minister of Cooperatives Adi Sasono.

The first lady handed over routine donations to several social foundations. The children looked confused when Giovani, a popular child singer, asked them to sing Menabung (saving).

"Our teachers always tell us to save, but we rarely have money," 13-year-old Sofyan Hadi said.

The women looked very touched when Giovani sang Mother.

"With me everything is okay, mother, how are you today," sang Giovani. The orphans then enjoyed lunch while the women ate at a separate venue.

"We have provided special food for them and they can enjoy all of the park facilities for the whole day," said an official.

Entertainment was provided by veteran singer Diah Iskandar and musician Purwa Tjaraka. (prb)