Youths need proper channels: Soeharto

Youths need proper channels: Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto acknowledged yesterday the
need for proper mechanism for youths to channel their aspirations
to avoid apathy and frustration.

"If we have proper channels, youths will become Indonesia's
tremendous development force," the President said when opening
National Technology Awakening Day.

The celebration coincided with the opening of the national
coordination meeting on research and technology in which the
President presented awards to 49 scientists for their outstanding
contribution to science and technology in Indonesia.

President Soeharto said the proper channels are becoming even
more significant considering youths represent the bulk of the
Indonesian population.

Soeharto, who has been in power for almost 30 years, is
acclaimed for his success in economic development.

His critics have said the success is not balanced with
political development. They claim cases of social unrest stems
from the absence of political institutions by which people can
channel their ideas freely.

President Soeharto said that youths are expected to pioneer
the second national awakening, the way the youths pioneered the
first national awakening earlier this century.

The President acknowledged that youths should be more involved
in national development to ensure sustainable development.

"Their experience is vital because development in the future
will be more complex," he said.

On the occasion, the President presented the Kalyanakretya
award to scientists who have made outstanding contributions to
the development of technology in various fields, notably health,
air transportation, construction and journalism.

The recipients included construction expert Tjokorda Raka
Sukawati, agriculture expert Zainudin Harahap, nutritionist
Poorwosudarmo, writer Sapardi Djokodamono and 45 scientists
involved in the N-250 airliner project. (pan)