Top actress Christine named Unicef ambassador

Top actress Christine named Unicef ambassador

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Top Indonesian actress Christine Hakim was appointed on Thursday
as ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in
Indonesia to promote the interests of Indonesian children.

Unicef representative Steven Allen presented Christine with a
certificate to mark her new role, which she shares with
international celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Pierce Brosnan,
Robbie Williams and Sarah Jessica Parker, all of whom have
devoted themselves to the fight for children's rights around the
world.

Unicef national ambassadors are selected from prominent
individuals in a variety of fields, such as the arts,
entertainment, literature, science and sport.

"Although it will be a tough job, it is a great honor for me
as I can play an active role in promoting the welfare of
Indonesian children," Christine told a media conference, which
was also attended by Allen (photo above), at Plaza Indonesia in
Central Jakarta.

Christine will focus on child protection, including the
prevention of child trafficking and child abuse, as well as
improving education.

Allen said Christine's presence, reputation and talents would
help Unicef in sending a strong message that would reach into the
hearts of Indonesian people everywhere.

"I'm sure we will make real progress with Christine's support
for Unicef," he said.

Christine was selected due to her commitment to children's
welfare, as evidenced by the Christine Hakim Foundation, which
she founded. The foundation has helped provide milk for
malnourished children in West Java and conflict-torn Aceh, and
financial assistance for children a talent for the arts.

Born in Kuala Tungkal in Jambi on Dec. 25, 1956, Christine has
starred in 30 films, five of which won her the best actress award
at the national film festival. She was selected as a juror for
the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2002.