The recipients of the awards are select figures who have motivated and inspired the general public. They have done for the nation`s progress much for which we could be proud at an international level
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - ANTARA News Agency has bestowed awards on 13 figures throughout the country for their notable achievements throughout this year.

"The recipients of the awards are select figures who have motivated and inspired the general public. They have done for the nations progress much for which we could be proud at an international level," ANTARA President Director Syaiful Hadi said at a function marking the 76th anniversary of the news agency here on Wednesday.

The awards, called "ANTARA Achievement Award" 2013, went to U-19 national soccer team coach Indra Sjafri; the U-19 national soccer team; chief of the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI)s executive board Gita Wirjawan; State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan; and Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharani.

The other recipients are Wishnu Wardhana, CEO APEC Summit 2013; Johnny Darmawan, president director of PT Toyota Astra Motor; Chairul Tanjung, deputy chief of the APEC 2013s national committee; Rachmat Gobel, president director of PT Gobel Internasional and Elvyn G Masassya; president director of state-owned insurance company PT Jamsostek.

ANTARA also presented a special AAA 2013 to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for guaranteeing freedom of expression and remaining transparent to the public.

Akhmad Kusaeni, director of Antaras editorial department, said the awards were a manifestation of the news agencys efforts to appreciate the countrys most influential figures throughout 2013.

The award recipients played a great role in strengthening nationalism through their respective achievements, he noted.

Also present at the event were President Yudhoyono and a number of ministers, including State Enterprises Minister Dahlan Iskan and Communication and Informatics Minister Tifatul Sembiring.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013