Minister Suryo Sees off Indonesian Youth to Outer Island

Bitung, N Sulawesi (Antara) - Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Roy Suryo on Sunday saw off hundreds of Indonesian youths to visit outer island of Miangas in North Sulawesi province that shares border with the Philippines. The youths who left for the Miangas Island by warship "KRI Slamet Riyadi 352" departed from Bitung Naval base VIII. According to the minister, the group of youths including scouts will merge with the Miangas youths after arriving in the island. The youths taking part in the so-called "Merajut Indonesia" (integrating Indonesia) program also aimed to celebrate the National Awakening Day, he said. The "Merajut Indonesia" program which was initiated by the Youth and Sports Minister is part of programs which involve youths from various communities in the Indonesian outer islands ranging from Miangas to Rote Island, Sabang (Aceh) and Merauke (Papua). "We shouted to the world that Indonesia extends from the Islands of Miangas to Rote, Sabang and Merauke," he noted. In the "Merajut Indonesia" program, the youths will participate among other things in sports, scouts and cultural activities. Miangas Island, one of 92 Indonesian outer islands with 1,500 populations, is located 48 miles from the Philippines or closer compared with 320 miles from North Suilawesi provincial city of Manado. The regional proximity caused the Miangas communities often bought daily needs from the Philippines. The next program will be held in Rote Island (June 22), Sabang (August 17), Merauke (September 27), and in Samarinda, East Kalimantan (October 28). (*)