"Creating a respectful nation with character should be done at an early stage. Historical evidence suggests that Indonesia is a nation of fighters, who have fought for Indonesia`s existence," Yudhoyono said.
Cibubur, East Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for increased efforts in character building, especially among the younger generation, for the benefit of the country.

While leading a ceremony to mark the National Scouts Day here on Wednesday, the president mentioned that character building efforts must be enhanced for the development of the nation.

"Creating a respectful nation with character should be done at an early stage. Historical evidence suggests that Indonesia is a nation of fighters, who have fought for Indonesia`s existence," he added.

President Yudhoyono explained that the scout movement, which is called "Gerakan Pramuka" locally, could become a platform for character building and development among the younger generation.

"Gerakan Pramuka must continue to be developed to instil superior values in the younger generation," he said.

He added that the roles of the younger generation as history makers, critical actors, and creators must be continuously developed because the youngsters will become leaders in future.

According to President Yudhoyono, revival of the movement in the past seven years has been aimed at character development of the younger generation based on the country`s consensus on four pillars - the 1945 Constitution, the Pancasila (five tenets) state ideology, the principles of unity in diversity, and the Unitary State of Indonesia.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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