VP warns of declining appeal of scout movement

VP warns of declining appeal of scout movement

JAKARTA (JP): The scouting movement is no longer compulsory
and is fast losing appeal because of failing to keep up with the
times.

Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri made the warning on
Monday, referring to the new image of joining the scouts as "old
fashioned."

"There is an impression among young people that joining the
scouts is just about first aid, rescue, trekking and camping,"
Megawati said, addressing a ceremony of the 39th anniversary of
Pramuka (the Indonesian Scouts) in Cibubur, East Jakarta.

Deputy chairman of the movement, Sundoro Syamsuri, said the
movement already has a home page on the Web and "adventurous
activities."

In the ceremony attended by Governor Sutiyoso and State
Minister of Youth affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela, Megawati
added, "Activities such as amateur radio networking, hiking, and
marine diving can be adopted among scouts to increase interest."

Last year officials announced that the scout movement would no
longer be compulsory. Critics have said that Indonesia's scout
membership claim of 10 million in 1998 was baseless given its
compulsory nature in schools.

Sundoro said the voluntary approach would lead to stricter
recruitment. "This is not to scare students but instead to
encourage their own motivation to join the scouts," he said.

Responding to questions on students brawling in their scout
uniforms, he said this was one reason why the sale of scout
emblems in stores and recruitment should be better supervised.

Scout meetings are held every Saturday after school hours in
elementary schools.

Sundoro said scouting skills are still relevant for many
reasons, among others, the emphasis on helping fellow humans in
daily life. Scouts can be relied on to help in emergency
situations such as in the aftermath of the earthquake in
Bengkulu, he said.

In the ceremony, awards were given to 179 senior members for
their dedication to the national movement.

In Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, President Abdurrahman Wahid
opened a ceremony for the National Anniversary in which scouts
will assist with public facility improvements in several
villages. (07)