President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono led the Women’s Day event at Sasono Langen Budoyo in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta on Tuesday, at which he conferred state awards on several institutions and local governments for their contribution to women’s empowerment.

The President was accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono’s wife, Herawati Boediono.

State Women’s Empowerment Minister Linda Amaliasari and Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo were also present at the event.

Yudhoyono was to present the Parahita Ekapraya award, an award presented to those who had shown commitment to gender equality and gender-responsive policies.

Among those who will receive the award this year were Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo, East Java Deputy Governor Saifullah Yusuf, North Sumatra Governor Syamsul Arifin, Magelang (Central Java) Mayor Fahriyanto and Malang (East Java) Regent Sujud Pribadi.

Source : The Jakarta Post