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.