Habibie receives honorary doctorate

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 09/11/2006 7:51 AM

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Former president BJ Habibie was conferred with an honorary doctorate here Saturday by Hasanuddin University for his contributions to science and technology.

""Habibie is a multidimensional scientist. In developing science and technology, he promotes iman and taqwa (faith and piety), bringing together sea, land and aerospace concerns,"" said Halide, a spokesman for the Makassar-based university.

Born in Pare-Pare, South Sulawesi, Habibie was research and technology minister from 1978 to 1988 in the Soeharto administration.

During his years as minister, Habibie played a key role in setting up national aircraft industry PT IPTN, now called PT Dirgantara Indonesia. He also co-founded the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI).

As the country's third president in 1999, Habibie sparked anger among some Indonesians for allowing the breakaway of East Timor from Indonesia.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla attended Saturday's conferment ceremony, which was held to mark the university's 50th anniversary. --JP

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