The Indonesian Scout Movement which observed its 50th anniversary on August 14, 2011 is expected to act as a cohesive force of national unity and integrity.

The Scout Movement conducted a ceremony to mark the peak event of its 50th anniversary on Sunday, August 14 in a number of provinces in Indonesia.

In his address at the event in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Governor Frans Lebu Raya said on Sunday that the Scout movement should be a nationally cohesive and integrating force in addition to prioritizing its activities to shape the character and morality of the country`s younger generation.

"The Scout movement must be a cohesive force besides its activities to shape the character and morality of the younger generation," Frans said.

He said it was through the Scout movement that good character and morality of the younger generation could be shaped.

Meanwhile, Southeast Sulawesi Governor Nur Alam in his statement at the ceremony to mark the Scout movement`s anniversary in Kendari said the movement should also serve as a fortress to protect the younger generation against the danger of narcotics and illicit drugs.

"We have to find the best possible solution to narcotics and illicit drugs problem, negative effect of globalization, environmental damage, and fighting between different group of students," Governor Nur Alam said.

As preventive measure, he said the National Scout movement could serve as one of the solutions to those problems, haunting today`s younger generation.

Besides the East Nusa Tenggara and Southeast Sulawesi governors, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also said the Scout movement should continue to be innovative.

Speaking at the ceremony of the Scout`s anniversary at at Gajah Mada square of Wiladatika recreational park in Jakarta`s southern outskirt of Cibubur, West Java, President Yudhoyono said the movement should in in developing effective and efficient activities to gain better results.

"A lot of encouragement and support we have actually given to

to advance the current Scouts. And it is our common duty to utilize the facilities and support to the best. Do strengthen the Scouts organization and management as properly and accurately as possible," the president said.

The Indonesian scout movement was established on August 14, 1961 under a Presidential Decree to serve as a forum of scouting activities across Indonesia. Then president Sukarno named the scout movement Praja Muda Karana (Pramuka) which means young people willing to work.

In another part of his address, President Yudhoyono underscored three main points that have to be on top of priority in the development of the Indonesian Scout Movement.

The three main points, according to the president, were to strengthen the Scouts organization and management properly and accurately, to advance the front groups and training centers, and to make innovation and breakthrough in the development of effective and efficient activities.

"Prioritize the materials which are in connection with the spirit of defending the country, patriotism, harmony, and technological mastery," the president said.

He asserted that the long-standing revitalization of the Scouts Movement should continue to be maintained to gain optimal results.

According to the head of state, the revitalization should be directed to have the members and harmonious generation with strong personality and noble character.

Meanwhile, chairman of Indonesian Scout Movement Headquarters, Asrul Azwar, in his report said the Indonesian Scout at present has 22 million members across the country from various levels and 320,000 front groups with school-based majority.

Asrul Azwar said that in its 50th anniversary this year, the Indonesian Scout awarded Melati Badges of merit to its 237 adult members, Exemplary Badges to 36 learners scout members from all over Indonesia, and Dharma Bakti Badges to 632 members across the country.

In the past few years, President Yudhoyono called for the revitalization of the scout movement as part of efforts to improve its role and encourage the younger generations to take part in the activity.

Incorporating both boys and girls, the Indonesian Scout an educational movement through Scouting activities, and education directed to a new, just, peaceful, and prosperous Indonesian community which is based on the national ideology.

The activities of the boys and girls are conducted separately from one another but they also have joint activities whenever possible and necessary.

Education for young members is carried out through activities to achieve General Skill Requirements and Special Skill Requirements towards achieving Garuda Scout.

To achieve the goals of Scouting, the activities are carried out on the group at national level. 

Routine activities are focused on the development of character, patriotism, physical fitness, skill and intelligence of the Scouts themselves which are very important for their future life.

Activities of the special troops are organized in order to develop specific personal interest and talent and enable them to serve the community with the knowledge, ability and skill they have learned.

The Scouts take an active part in community development service projects, and in combating illiteracy. The success of the campaign against illiteracy in one province, gained the Scouts worldwide recognition and won them a UNESCO award.

The Scouts also participate in the drive to improve health and nutrition in the community, especially children under five years of age

Source: ANTARA