1,000 to gather for awakening centennial

Mon, 05/05/2008 11:24 AM  |  National

JAKARTA: About 1,000 prominent figures from across the country will gather at the National Monument on Sunday to share their thoughts and opinions as part of the centennial commemoration of National Awakening Day, which falls every May 20.

The speakers will talk about their hopes and expectations for Indonesia for the next 100 years, event coordinator Zulkifli Arsyad said Saturday.

"The participants will also declare the second National Awakening, which can be used as a reference for the country's future leaders," said Zulkifli, who is a member of the Public Information Sources (LIRA).

"The 1,000 participants will be Indonesian citizens from different ages, backgrounds, parties and professions," he said.

He said the event was expected to maintain the spirit of the Budi Utomo (formerly written as Boedi Oetomo) movement.

On May 20, 1908, Boedi Oetomo (which means "noble conduct") was founded by five Indonesian medical students -- Soetomo, Goenawan Mangoenkoesoemo, Goembrek, Saleh and Soeleman -- during the Dutch colonial occupation.

Boedi Oetomo became the foundation for the youth national independence movement. Since then, May 20 has always been considered an important day for Indonesians.

Some ministers are scheduled to take part in the commemorative event, including Industry Minister Fahmi Idris, Public Housing Minister Muhammad Yusuf Asy'ari, Manpower and Transmigration Minister Erman Suparno and Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will not attend because he has another event in Surabaya.

"We are still waiting for confirmation from the Vice President (Jusuf Kalla)," Zulkifli said.

Athletes and celebrities of all ages will join in the commemoration.

"We chose popular rock group Slank to share their thoughts in the event because they have made a big contribution to fighting corruption in the country. Veteran badminton star Rudy Hartono will also share his opinions," Zulkifli said.

The centennial commemoration will take place by the National Monument on Sunday May 18, from 6:30 a.m. (JP)

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