P

resident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyo advised children to honor their parents, teachers and leaders in a children national arts competition held at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday.

"If we act kindly towards our friends, honor our parents and leaders, and also love other people, if God is willing, we will be successful," he said, as quoted by detik.com.

"Hard work and being optimistic are key to a successful future."

Yudhoyono was speaking in front of hundreds of elementary and junior high school students who took part in the competition that included singing, poetry reading and a drawing competition.

The arts competition was one of several events held to celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day that falls every Aug. 17.

During the event, the children also performed angklung (a bamboo musical ensemble) and traditional dancing.

The President also added that the children, sent from provinces all over Indonesia, had to do their best in every activity they were involved in.