The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, hopes that all Indonesian children will care about the environment and plants amidst the current phenomenon of gadget use among children which is difficult to control.
After visiting the Kunming Botanical Garden in Kunming, China, on Saturday, he said that the beauty of Indonesia's flora is extraordinary, coupled with its very supportive nature.
"This is good, so that young children are introduced to the environment and various plants from an early age, so they know what moss is, for example. So they don't get lost in their smartphones ," said Megawati, as quoted in a written statement received in Jakarta.
Megawati, who is also the Chairperson of the Indonesian Botanical Gardens, also encouraged all stakeholders in the flora and botanical garden sector to develop ornamental plants and Indonesian flora into an industry, including by producing new varieties, by utilizing scientific knowledge.
He also revealed that the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is currently focusing on plant development by utilizing scientific knowledge.
"All hopes for developing flora are ultimately an effort to protect and care for Mother Earth," he said.
During her visit, Megawati sought explanations from Kunming Botanical Institute Deputy Director Niu Yang and garden guide Liang Xiaoxia.
In addition to visiting the museum, Megawati was also taken on a tour of the well-maintained plants at the Kunming Botanical Garden. Megawati and her entourage spent nearly 1.5 hours there.
Before going to Kunming Botanical Garden, Megawati also took the time to visit the Dounan Flower Market.
Megawati is in Kunming after previously attending the Global Dialogue of Civilizations Forum, attended by 600 people from around 140 countries, including several former heads of state, in Beijing, China on Thursday (July 10). Megawati was the first speaker at the event.
