President calls on younger generation to shun violence

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on the younger generation in the country on Saturday to reject violence and be part of a future peace-loving civilization.

He made the call at a ceremony held to mark the confirmation of the team to raise the national flag at the commemoration of the anniversary of the country`s independence day at the State Palace on Monday.

The head of state said a great civilization was marked by the use of peaceful ways for the settlement of problems and not violence like irresponsible terrorism.

"I wish you will be part of the great civilization. I wish the the next generation will be more civilized, peace-loving and shun violence," he said.

To the selected members of the younger generation to represent their respective home provinces the president appealed to always maintain the patriotism and nationalism.

The president viewed the tasks of raising the flag in the morning on August 17 and lowering it in the evening as reflecting the nation`s unity and brotherhood in carrying out the task of developing the nation.

The Paskibraka team consists of 33 members from the country`s provinces. They are male and female students of senior highs aged between 16 and 18 years that have passed selection.

To them the President said that the theme for this year`s anniversary celebration was rise up, unite and progress.

After the holding of recent general elections the head of state called on elements to unite and rise up to again conduct national development stifled by a great crisis ten years ago.

"As a nation we are determined as of this year to be more united, to rise up again and to progress. I would keep saying that only with unity could we be safe through all the challenges, problems and tests," he said.

President Yudhoyono said Indonesia would be more advanced, respected and better-off if the people would unite and never give up.

Several cabinet ministers attended the ceremony, including education minister Bambang Sudibyo.(*)