YUDHOYONO: INDONESIAN NATION RESENTS VIOLENCE

Jakarta, Aug 14 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the Indonesian nation was not a nation that liked violence including inhuman terrorism.

"The nation is peace loving not the one that likes violence including terrorism," he said in his address at the 48th anniversary of Scout Day here on Friday.

He said settling problems peacefully and in a civilized manner was the root of civilization.

"A nation that has a top character is also a nation that loves each other," he said.

President Yudhoyono said the country's unity had to be continuously strengthened in view of the country's pluralistic condition.

"Nations that have a character and that are top are the ones that keep improving themselves, seeking breakthroughs, innovating, creating and working hard to achieve their ideals," he said.

The speech came against the backdrop of recent bombings in two luxury hotels in Jakarta last month that left nine people dead including the two suicide bombers and more than 50 wounded.

The police recently uncovered the perpetrators of the bombings. However, Noordin M Top who is believed to be the mastermind of the bombings as well as bombings in the past was still on the run.

The chief of the National Scouts, Azrul Azwar, on the occasion reported the anniversary commemoration carried the theme of "Increase the Role of Scout Movement to Build National Character and Leadership."
He said he hoped the theme would increase motivations and services for the development of scout movement in the country in the future.

The National Scout Movement on the occasion presented awards to people who had given a meritorious service to the development of the movement including education minister Bambang Sudibyo and state enterprise minister Sofyan Djalil.

It had also awarded "Jasmine Badge" to Malaysian chief minister Sri Ali Rustam and Philippine scout movement secretary general Jose Rizal C Pangilinan.

Several national and regional officials were seen attending the event.