Kalla to receive honorary doctorate for peace efforts

Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla on Saturday began a three-day visit in Japan during which he will receive an honorary doctorate from Soka University for his contribution to world peace.

The university said Kalla contributed significantly to conflict resolution in Indonesia, citing his efforts in brokering a peace deal between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government.

It also said he took a "unique" approach to resolving conflicts.

Other recipients of honorary doctorates for peace from Soka University include Nelson Mandela, Husni Mubarak, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Fidel Valdes Ramos and K.R. Narayan.

Kalla is expected to arrive at Narita Airport at 5 p.m. local time, or 3 p.m. Jakarta time.

Before collecting his doctorate Monday, the Vice President will visit Zoorasia zoo in Yokohoma on Sunday. The zoo, which exhibits a wide variety of Asian animals, is also home to Indonesian animals the Sumatran tiger and the orangutan.

He is also expected to visit an underground agricultural laboratory in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. (and)