Geneva, 14 February 2001:  Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, presented today the Order of Service "Bintang Jasa Pratama" to Mr. Stephen J. Woodhouse, former Area Representative of UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) to Indonesia, in a formal ceremony at the premises of the Indonesian Mission in Geneva.

In his statement during the ceremony, Ambassador Wisnumurti said that, even though Mr. Woodhouse is not serving in Indonesia anymore, his commitment and affection keep him very close to the hearts of many people in Indonesia.  His professional experience, skills, and dedication have proved to be an invaluable asset for the future of Indonesian children.
 

Ambassador Nugroho Wisnumurti presented the Order of Service to Mr. Stephen J. Woodhouse. (photo: Indonesian Mission)

Mr. Stephen J. Woodhouse, during his tenure of duty in Indonesia (1995-1999), is considered to have rendered great services in improving and enhancing the good cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and UNICEF.  Mr. Woodhouse had among others rendered his great services in increasing substantially the international assistance program for the welfare of mothers and children in Indonesia.  He had put special attention to the danger of a lost generation as a result of the economic crises in Indonesia.  There was concern that the 1997 economic crises could also produce a great number of children with insufficient health condition, nutrition, and education, which in turn would affect the quality of human resources in the future.  Mr. Woodhouse actively advocated the national program of "Aku Anak Sekolah" ("I Go to School") through the Social Safety Net Programme on Education.  He also initiated and actively supported the Indonesian National Movement for the protection of children, assisted the establishment of the National Institute for the Protection of Children and the drafting of a law on the protection of children.  He has also successfully established a strong network for the promotion and protection of the status of Indonesian children through the support and assistance of the international community.

Mr. Woodhouse is a British subject who currently serves as Director of UNICEF Regional Office for Europe, seated in Geneva.  He has been many years with the United Nations and with UNICEF in particular, serving in many developing countries.  He spent the period 1969-1971 in West Sumatra, Indonesia, as a volunteer worker, attached to monitor UNICEF supported programs.

The "Bintang Jasa Pratama" is one of the Order of Services of the Republic of Indonesia that is awarded to render appreciation and honor to Indonesian citizens or foreign citizens who have rendered great services to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia. (end)

Indonesian Version