Spouses told to help ministers in crisis
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)