President: Women Play Crucial Role in National Character Building

Jakarta (ANTARA News) – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at a ceremony to mark the 82nd anniversary of Mother`s Day here Wednesday stressed the important role of women in national character building.

“The task of mothers and women in general in the future is to build the character and behavior of our children toward noble and tough characters,” the president said at the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII) in East Jakarta.

The head of state urged parents to spend more time with their children.

He called on women`s organizations and NGOs to help promote national character building.

For the advancement of women, the women`s organizations and NGOs should help preserve the environment and support the micro business programs for women, he said.

Among those present in the event were Vice President Boediono, First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Mrs. Herawati Boediono, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Women`s Empowerment Minister and Child Protection Linda Ameliasari, and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo.(*)