Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono decides to accept the Statesman of the Year award presented by a US-based NGO The Appeal of Conscience Foundation despite protest from activists in Indonesia.
According to the awarding NGO the award is given to President Yudhoyono as the representative of Indonesia which has shown progress in democracy and strong commitment in promoting peace. However activists protest the award saying that the president is not yet successful in solving violence against minority in Indonesia.
"I understand that there are protests from activists about this award. However let's look at this as an opportunity for Indonesia to work harder in the future," the president said.
Yudhoyono emphasized his visit to Sweden and New York starting May 27 to June 2 is not for the purpose of accepting the award but to chair a meeting of High Level Panel for Post MDGs 2015 and hand over the meeting's draft of recommendation to the United Nations' Secretary general Ban Ki Moon.
Earlier a religious organization figure, Benny Susetyo, urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reconsider his decision to accept an award from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (AFC). (*/DWA)
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2013
According to the awarding NGO the award is given to President Yudhoyono as the representative of Indonesia which has shown progress in democracy and strong commitment in promoting peace. However activists protest the award saying that the president is not yet successful in solving violence against minority in Indonesia.
"I understand that there are protests from activists about this award. However let's look at this as an opportunity for Indonesia to work harder in the future," the president said.
Yudhoyono emphasized his visit to Sweden and New York starting May 27 to June 2 is not for the purpose of accepting the award but to chair a meeting of High Level Panel for Post MDGs 2015 and hand over the meeting's draft of recommendation to the United Nations' Secretary general Ban Ki Moon.
Earlier a religious organization figure, Benny Susetyo, urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to reconsider his decision to accept an award from the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (AFC). (*/DWA)
Editor : Dewa Sudiarta Wiguna
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2013