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)