Three Get 'National Hero' Titles

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono awarded 'National Hero' titles to Dr. KRT Rajiman Wediodiningrat (posthumous), LN Palar and retired lieutenant general TB Simatupang on Heroes' Day, November 8, here on Friday. Dr Wediodiningrat, a Budi Utomo movement chairman from 1915 to 1923, received the title in recognition of his great contribution to a debate on the country's foundation and independence at a meeting on the preparation for Indonesia's independence while the Japanese were still in power in 1944. Palar was awarded for getting the UN to force the Dutch to stop military aggression against Indonesia in 1947 and recognize the country. Silalahi was felicitated for his contribution to TNI development (Indonesia's defense forces), for attending the Round Table Conference at The Hague as one of the two Indonesian military leaders and for being the former chief of staff while the armed forces were under the command of supreme commander the late General Sudirman. Dr. Retno Widiowati received the award on behalf of Dr Rajiman, while Meisi Palar Martowardojo received it on behalf of Palar. The award for Simatupang was received by Marsinta Hatigorang Simatupang. First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, vice-president Boediono and his wife Herawati Boediono attended the awards ceremony, among other dignitaries. The Indonesian government has so far awarded `National Hero¿ titles to 159 people, including 12 women. (*)