President: family planning and mutual assistance strengthen national self-reliance

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the national family planning and mutual assistance programs will help strengthen Indonesia`s national self-reliance.

"Family planning is aimed at building small prosperous families while mutual assistance is a tradition of the Indonesian people which will never fade away," the president said here on Sunday.

The head of state made the remarks when opening the 15th National Family Day and Mutual Assistance Service Month in Muarosabak, East Tanjung Jabung district, about 125 km from the city of Jambi.

On the occasion, the head of state also inaugurated a local sports center, Paduka Berhala stadiumm and the 380 meters Barbak bridge.

At present, an emphasis on the need to do something with mutual assistance was a must, because building this nation was not like turning the palm of our hands, he said.

To strengthen national self-reliance in the global era, all programs should run from health and education in order to create well-educated nation, food security and sustainable development of infrastructure.

In the meantime, Home Minister Mardiyanto said East Tanjung Jabung district was appointed to host the event on the consideration that it was a new district.

East Tanjung Jabung was previously an isolated region, but after it became a new district, the local administration has stepped up development there.

Many national appreciations had been received by the East Tanjung Jabung administration especially for its family planning program. Therefore, the district had been entrusted with the task to host the family planning day and mutual assistance 2008 prorams.

The head of state during the visit was accompanied by his wife, Madame Ani Yudhoyono, Home Minister Mardiyanto and wife, People`s Welfare Coordinating Minister Aburizal Bakrie and wife, and some other ministers.

source: Antara | June 2008