President Yudhoyono attends Mother's Day Ceremony

Monday, 22 December 2008
The Jakarta Post

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono attended a ceremony in Jakarta on Monday held in recognition of the 80th Hari Ibu (Mother's Day), also announcing "Indonesia Creative Year 2009", Antara state news agency reported.

First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his wife Mufidah Kalla and several ministers were also present at the event.

Yudhoyono presented awards to several women figures and witnessed the signing of regulations on "improving times for breast feeding for women in the work place" along with ministers of women's empowerment, health, and manpower and transmigration.

Among the recipients was Sri Kumalaningsih, a professor from Malang's Brawijaya University, who received an award for her achievements in developing local traditional foods. Famous pianist and art teacher Iravati M. Sudiarso and composer Trisutji Djuliati Kamal also received awards, the latter for her role in the creation of more than 200 piano compositions.

Hari Ibu was initiated to coincide with the First Indonesian Women's Congress in Yogyakarta, from Dec. 22 - 25, 1928. The congress was attended by 30 women's organizations from 12 cities in Java and Sumatra. (ewd)